The new Fraunhofer Center for Sustainable Energy Systems, with construction managed by Gilbane Building Co., involves a retrofit that will transform the historic, 100-year-old building at 5 Channel Center in Boston into a building technology showcase for clean energy technologies and research.
The Center will serve as the Fraunhofer’s new headquarters, housing advanced research labs and staff. In addition to pre-construction and construction management services for the renovation of the building’s core and shell, Gilbane will provide Fraunhofer with specialized knowledge and expertise related to the construction of energy efficient buildings.
Fraunhofer is also using $2.7 million in energy efficient building products donated by nearly 40 companies, ranging from building material manufacturing giants like Dow Corning Corp. to Massachusetts start-up companies. CSE researchers will evaluate the reliability and effectiveness of the technologies incorporated into the building, helping technology developers prove out their products with building-integrated and other applied research.
The facility is being designed by DiMella Shaffer with BR+A as engineers. Renovations will begin in July and are scheduled to be complete by the end of this year. The Center will target LEED Platinum.
Related Stories
Architects | Jul 22, 2016
5 creative approaches to finish standards
With the right mindset, standards can produce great design for healthcare facilities, as VOA's Candace Small explores.
Retail Centers | Jul 21, 2016
MVRDV designs Seoul entertainment district with gold entrance and curtain façade
The 9,800-sm complex will have retail and nightclub space. A plaza separates the two concrete buildings.
Healthcare Facilities | Jul 20, 2016
Process mapping simplifies healthcare design
Charting procedures and highlighting improvement opportunities can lead to developing effective design strategy simulations. GS&P’s Ray Wong writes that process mapping adds value to a project and bolsters team and stakeholder collaboration.
Architects | Jul 20, 2016
AIA: Architecture Billings Index remains on solid footing
The June ABI score was down from May, but the figure was positive for the fifth consecutive month.
| Jul 19, 2016
2016 GIANTS 300 REPORT: Ranking the nation's largest architecture, engineering, and construction firms
Now in its 40th year, BD+C’s annual Giants 300 report ranks AEC firms by discipline and across more than 20 building sectors and specialty services.
Architects | Jul 18, 2016
17 buildings designed by Le Corbusier added to UNESCO World Heritage List
The sites are spread across seven counties and were built over the course of 50 years. Le Corbusier, an architect, designer, and urban planner, was a founder of modern architecture.
Multifamily Housing | Jul 18, 2016
Four residential projects named winners of the 2016 AIA/HUD Secretary Awards
Affordable housing, specialized housing, and accessible housing projects were honored.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Jul 18, 2016
Turner and AECOM will build the Los Angeles Rams’ new multi-billion dollar stadium project
The 70,000-seat stadium will be ready by the 2019 NFL season. The surrounding mixed-use development includes space for retail, hotels, and public parks.
High-rise Construction | Jul 15, 2016
Zaha Hadid designs geometric flower-shaped tower for sustainable Qatar city
The 38-story building will have a mashrabiya latticed facade with hotel and residential space inside.
Building Team | Jul 11, 2016
Design-assist: The way to really fly [AIA course]
Experts explain the benefits of DA, a process where the subcontractors are retained to assist other Building Team members in the development of a design. Earn 1.0 AIA CES learning units by reading and taking the exam.