Phoenix, AZ

University of Arizona, Phoenix Biomedical Campus, Health Science Education Building

Scope/Solutions
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Project Summary

Scope/Solutions

The six-story Health Sciences Education Building at the Phoenix Biomedical Campus houses classrooms, lecture halls, offices, and a below-grade research core. The cladding consists of a 45,000 sq ft rain screen comprised of approximately 2,500 vented copper panels over various substrates. The exterior fenestration is primarily four-sided structural-glazed curtain wall elements with aluminum spandrel panels. As the building enclosure consultant, SGH addressed challenges associated with the high temperatures in Arizona and the complicated transitions between numerous cladding materials.

Our design and analysis services for the cladding, roofing, and insulation included the following:

Performing a preconstruction design review
Evaluating moisture and heat considering 120°F ambient temperatures
Investigating hygrothermal performance of the copper panels, masonry veneer, and architectural concrete wall assemblies
Analyzing combinations of weather barriers and insulation using WUFI modeling software
Designing multi-sized copper and two-part metal flashing around windows to accommodate airspaces, variations in window depths, drift joint movement, and aesthetics
Participating in the mockup process to promote the uniformity and quality of installation
Reviewing submittals and observing construction, mockups, and field testing
Supporting the LEED certification effort