Photo courtesy of OSU

Mechanical work included full replacement of the existing systems, including steam radiation, exhaust, pneumatic control, and plumbing. New systems included zoned hydronic heating, exhaust (toilet, shower, laundry), common area ventilation, split-system air conditioning, direct digital control system, and plumbing systems.

Demolition work included removal of the existing Dining Hall (constructed in the early 1960s). This presented additional design challenges because an adjacent facility (Poling Hall), located across the street, didn't have its own steam service and received both heating hot water and domestic hot water from the basement of the Dining Hall. A new service, and temporary mechanical room, had to be designed and constructed ahead of the scheduled Dining Hall demolition. The renovation of Weatherford expanded the building use from just residence hall by adding classrooms, conference rooms, and a cafe in keeping with the new Residential College designation.

Civil design work included new site storm and sanitary systems, water and fire service replacement, and grading plans.

Energy services included full building modeling for SEED compliance, energy review for LEED compliance, and assistance for BETC application completion. A significant challenge for this project was to increase the energy efficiency of the building to meet the current SEED requirements while staying within construction budget and Landmark Building designation limitations. The consultant Design Team, together with the Owner, collaborated to produce a design which is predicted to be 18.5% more efficient than a baseline building.