Project Overview

The main purpose of this renovation and expansion was to co-locate physicists and theorists within a scientific and educational environment. A careful balance of private offices, lab space and collaboration areas provide a welcome atmosphere for The University of Chicago's important research and learning.

Approach

We delivered this project in a two-phase construction management contract. Phase 1 consisted of preconstruction services and preparation of the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP). Berglund delivered construction services for Phase 2.

As construction manager during preconstruction, Berglund's interdisciplinary team implemented target value design to maintain budget and control cost. While all members brought valuable perspectives to target value design, key subcontractors played a particularly pivotal role as they continuously provided estimates and constructibility insights in real-time.

During the construction phase, Berglund utilized lean processes and best practice tools to deliver the project on time and within the guaranteed maximum price. Pull planning provided significant impact on the scheduling and execution of work tasks. During three-month pull meetings, the team identified work load challenges and opportunities for efficiency resulting in continuous flow of materials and manpower on site.

Outcomes

Designed to be LEED Silver, the building went on to achieve LEED Gold. This was a welcome success for the university and project team. The building utilizes daylighting to reduce the need for artificial lighting, perimeter glazing is right-sized to maximize views while minimizing solar heat gain, and overhead chilled beams provide higher efficiency hydronic heating and cooling throughout the building.

Photos
© Chris Barrett Photography
© Sarah Mechling. Courtesy of Perkins Eastman