Amherst, MA
University of Massachusetts, Commonwealth Honors College Residential Complex
Scope/Solutions
To make the campus more attractive to students, the University of Massachusetts constructed a new residential complex for its Commonwealth Honors College. The complex includes seven buildings sited around several courtyards. In addition to the dormitories, which houses 1,500 students, the project also brings a new cafe, administrative, and classroom space. SGH consulted on the building enclosures and flooring.
SGH assisted with the design for the building enclosures constructed with brick and stone veneers, aluminum windows, curtain walls, and metal panel cladding. We collaborated with the architect of record, William Rawn Associates, Architects, to design durable below-grade waterproofing, roofing, and high-performance enclosures. Highlights of our work for the building enclosures include the following:
- Reviewed design documents and collaborated with Rawn to enhance enclosure performance
- Helped develop details to integrate the various enclosure systems
- Reviewed contractor submittals to compare with the design intent
- Visited the site to review mockups and ongoing construction to compare with the project requirements
- Performed air and water infiltration testing of windows and curtain walls
Working with the project team, SGH also consulted on the installation of a variety of moisture sensitive flooring finishes. We performed concrete floor moisture testing and helped the architect and owner identify the concrete slab areas needing an epoxy coating for moisture mitigation, saving the project significant time and money. For areas needing moisture mitigation, we proposed a sequence for preparing the concrete surface and recommended installing a robust mitigation system to limit future flooring failures.
Project Summary
2013
192M
Awards
LEED
Key team members
