Projects

The 52,000 square foot building was built in 1970 and houses administrative, classroom, teaching laboratories, assembly, and office functions. The goal of the study phase was to identify, prioritize, and provide order of magnitude costs for the building system improvements so that Penn State could budget and address as many of them as possible. This study led to the phased design and renovation of the entire building over a 5-year period.

Burns provided mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and structural engineering for the complete replacement of all major systems within the building, including the addition of a fire service and sprinkler system, chiller to allow for cooling, upgraded electrical service, air handlers and central lab exhaust fans.

Burns Role

• Removal of existing HVAC and piping infrastructure
• Direct Outside Air System (DOAS)
• Variable Air Volume (VAV) systems and Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems
• Air-cooled chiller and boiler replacements
• Laboratory exhaust fans and control system integration
• Fire protection system layout, and design of fire alarm, security and access systems
• Utility services to laboratories including emergency showers
• Removal of existing 120/208 volt distribution system
• Installation of a new 480 volt and 120/208 volt distribution system
• Telecommunication and data pathways and infrastructure, and emergency power distribution
• Lighting systems, including appropriate controls to control lighting based on occupancy
• Rooftop support steel for mechanical equipment and architectural screening

Photo credit: SMP Architects and Halkin Mason Photography