University of Colorado Health Science Center
Research 1 Complex, AURORA, CO

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC) & Mechanical Installation

TRAUTMAN & SHREVE VALUE DELIVERED

A state-of-the-art research facility; a diverse range of sophisticated mechanical systems to accommodate today's leading-edge biomedical and other scientific requirements; increased ability to perform world-class research procedures; greater potential for widening the frontiers of knowledge.

CLIENT CONSTRUCTION SERVICES OBJECTIVES

To construct, upgrade and expand its advanced research capabilities by building a 627,000-square-foot facility designed to meet today's new and challenging scientific needs. It was one of the most complex buildings ever undertaken by this client.

EMCOR MECHANICAL CONSTRUCTION SOLUTION

For this fast-track design/build assist mechanical construction project, Trautman & Shreve provided the complex heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) and plumbing systems that enabled this client to satisfy its most exacting standards and rigid specifications. The facility consisted of a 9-story north tower, 12-story south tower and three-story auditorium. Together, these buildings contain 20 research departments with 241 laboratories.

The heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) installation included supply and return capability for processed, regular and emergency chilled water, as well as hot water. In addition, the company provided low- and medium-pressure steam, low-pressure condensate and vaporized hydrogen peroxide systems.

The plumbing services scope of work called for installation of domestic hot and cold water, as well as natural gas, medical vacuum, medical air, compressed air, oxygen, carbon dioxide, helium, nitrogen and liquid nitrogen systems. Trautman & Shreve also put in sewage ejector and sump pits. Unique system features included an exotic automatic animal watering approach, controlled and monitored by the building automation system, and de-ionized water distributed to 22 research laboratory levels.

Overall, the construction project required over 75 miles of piping, 20 miles of pneumatic temperature control conduit and 1.4-million pounds of ductwork. In spite of the size, however, Trautman & Shreve completed its work on time and within budget.

Innovative Mechanical Construction Solutions: Prior to construction, Trautman & Shreve developed fully coordinated three-dimensional computer-aided design (CAD) drawings, including design/build schematics for structural design, electrical systems, fire protection systems, mechanical HVAC and plumbing systems. Using these documents, the company identified architectural, structural, and other discipline conflicts. Resolving these ahead of time enabled significant efficiencies in the field by maximizing the fabrication process and eliminating the need for rework.

BIOMEDICAL FACILITY BACKGROUND

The University of Colorado Health Sciences Center is comprised of graduate, medical, nursing, dental and pharmaceutical schools. This renowned cluster of health sciences institutions includes two teaching hospitals - the University of Colorado Hospital and Colorado Psychiatric Health - as well as the National Cancer Institute-designated University of Colorado Cancer Center, and a constellation of research and treatment institutions that are among - the most prestigious in the country. As one of the largest academic health centers west of the Mississippi, Research 1 houses research-oriented biomedical, biotechnology and pharmaceutical operations staffed by world-class scientists.

BIOTECH / HEALTHCARE

LABORATORIES

CLIENT:
University of Colorado Health Science Center

GENERAL CONTRACTOR:
Hensel Phelps Construction Co.

ARCHITECT:
Fentress Bradburn Architects

ENGINEER:
M-E Design Build LLC

PROJECT DURATION:
32 months