Nauset begins work on $20M Joint Forces HQ at Hanscom AFB

Nauset Construction has begun foundation work on Phase Two of the National Guard Bureau’s new Joint Force Headquarters at Hanscom Air Force Base, Lincoln, Mass.

When finished, the four-story, 80,000-sf office building will connect to the existing 193,000-sf facility and is anticipated to be completed by May of 2013.

The construction of the building and connections to the existing facility have been well coordinated by Nauset’s BIM Management Team, which used 3D modeling to detect structural clashes.

The new facility will have its own air handling units and heating and cooling systems, but the water, fire protection, and electrical systems will be central to the two phases.

Designed to resist the effects of earthquake motions, the facility will house classrooms with raised computer access flooring, heated storage and vehicle ready work bays. The foundation will consist of reinforced concrete footings and floor slab with steel framed masonry walls, aluminum windows, and a metal paneled roof system with integrated gutters. The HVAC system will include three 2,000 MBH gas fired boilers, two 140 ton electric air-cooled chillers and air handlers with multiple zones.

Additional building features will include auxiliary power, fire detection and suppression, security access and surveillance and intrusion detection systems. Extensive hardscaping (roadways, ground level parking, an amphitheater with tiered seating, pedestrian walkways) and landscaping is also part of the project’s scope of work. The LEED Silver rating will be achieved by utilizing energy efficient MEP systems and controls, as well as bio-swales to reduce storm water runoff. Project challenges include close coordination with all subcontractors due to the highly sensitive, occupied and restricted site location. BD+C

Before you get your shorts in a knot, I have nothing against science, technology, engineering, or even mathematics; to the contrary, I love all four “STEM” disciplines (I’m lying about the math). But I question whether we need to be building K-12 schools that overly emphasize or are totally devoted to STEM.

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There are few business skills as important as negotiation. Many successful businesspeople pride themselves on their ability to turn a deal in their favor. Here are a few key negotiation principles to ensure you’re generally getting a good deal.

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5 ways to gain clients you actually like

Gaining more clients is one thing. Gaining more clients that you actually like is something else entirely. Here are some tips to perfect the art of attracting and retaining clients that you enjoy working with.

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Engineering and construction CEOs are cautiously optimistic about the global economy, says PwC

Firm leaders remain leery about the availability of skilled workers, the state of government debt and deficits, and rising material prices, according to PwC’s 2014 Global CEO Survey.