Rich, W.T., Co., Inc.

Owner:

Division of Capital Asset Management

Architect:

Perry Dean Rogers - Boston, MA

Scope Of Work

The W.T. Rich team was awarded the construction of a new 43,000 square foot state-of-the-art library building utilizing the public CM-at-Risk process. The new library includes an academic resource center, a bridge simulator and “smart” classrooms. The completed building includes an array of unique architectural features including limestone veneer, glass flooring at stair landings, a rooftop skylight that runs the entire length of the building, a large rotunda encased in architectural woodwork and much more. 

 

HIGHLIGHTS

The project included over 50 geothermal wells and a solar photovoltaic array; achieving LEED Platinum certification

The project made extensive use of Building Information Modeling (BIM)

The building design includes a very large number of acute and obtuse angles (i.e. very few 90-degree angles) in the overall building structure and footprint

A large number of sustainable design features were incorporated into the final design, including water conservation, light sensors, chilled beams, geothermal energy system, radiant floor heating, rapidly renewable materials, and materials with a high recycled content

PROJECT INFORMATION

Location: Buzzards Bay, MA

Completion: August 2011

Contract Value: $17 million

Size: 43,000 SF

Type: New Construction

Owner: Division of Capital Asset Management

Designer: Perry Dean Rogers - Boston, MA

Delivery Method: CM-at-Risk (M.G.L. Chapter 149A)

Awards & Honors: 

- LEED Platinum Certified

- AGC Build New England, 2013 Performance Award

- Marble Institute of America (MIA), 2015 Commercial Exterior Award for Excellence

 

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CHALLENGES & SOLUTIONS

Highly constrained site access and space limitations within an active academic campus

Extensive wind study revealed the need to minimize any adverse impact of the sites typical wind velocity to the newly installed wind turbine. This was proactively incorporated into the angular design features by slopping the roof to protect the turbines

W.T. Rich managed the installation of a full solar photovoltaic array on the roof and the installation of over 50 geothermal wells, helping to earn the project LEED Platinum certification

 

RESULTS

Intensive collaboration amongst W.T. Rich Company, DCAM, Mass Maritime Academy, Perry Dean Rogers and engineering sub-consultants throughout the preconstruction phase resulted in improved building design, constructability, and performance. The project was completed on budget and on time for the library’s grand opening at the start of the 2011 school year.