Skanska USA announced the topping out of the East Campus Residence Hall Complex at the University of Delaware in Newark, Delaware, the first phase of three planned phases of a major expansion.
Phase One of the expansion includes the construction of two new resident buildings on campus that total 260,000-sf of space and 767 beds, providing students with a comfortable living environment. The buildings will house incoming first year students and will be designed to foster community building with communal bathrooms, open lounges and added gathering space for students to network and study together.
The project consists of extensive site development, which includes landscaping and site finishes, walkways, fire lanes, and utility infrastructure that will include connections to the central utility plant. The utility plant controls the university’s steam distribution, chilled water and electricity. In addition, office space for the University’s Office of Residential Life will be part of Phase One.
The topping out ceremony was not a traditional topping out because a ceremonial last steel beam was not raised. A hybrid panelized wall system, which is often used for hotel construction, has been installed in place of the traditional steel beams used in most buildings in order to save time and money. For example, hybrid wall paneling for one floor of the building, which is approximately 30,000-sf, is built in two weeks.
So far, Phase One is 45% complete, and is on schedule for construction completion in September 2013. In addition, 66% of all work has been awarded to local Delaware subcontractors in an effort to contribute to the state’s economic recovery and boost job creation.
The architect is ABHA Architects from Wilmington, Delaware. +
Related Stories
| Nov 8, 2013
S+T buildings embrace 'no excuses' approach to green labs
Some science-design experts once believed high levels of sustainability would be possible only for low-intensity labs in temperate zones. But recent projects prove otherwise.
| Nov 8, 2013
Net-zero bellwether demonstrates extreme green, multifamily style
The 10-unit zHome in Issaquah Highlands, Wash., is the nation’s first net-zero multifamily project, as certified this year by the International Living Future Institute.
| Nov 8, 2013
Walkable solar pavement debuts at George Washington University
George Washington University worked with supplier Onyx Solar to design and install 100 sf of walkable solar pavement at its Virginia Science and Technology Campus in Ashburn, Va.
| Nov 6, 2013
PECI tests New Buildings Institute’s plug load energy use metrics at HQ
Earlier this year, PECI used the NBI metrics to assess plug load energy use at PECI headquarters in downtown Portland, Ore. The study, which informed an energy-saving campaign, resulted in an 18 percent kWh reduction of PECI’s plug load.
| Nov 5, 2013
Net-zero movement gaining traction in U.S. schools market
As more net-zero energy schools come online, school officials are asking: Is NZE a more logical approach for school districts than holistic green buildings?
| Nov 5, 2013
New IECC provision tightens historic building exemption
The International Energy Conservation Code has been revised to eliminate what has been seen as a blanket exemption for historic buildings.
| Nov 5, 2013
Living Building Challenge clarifies net-zero definitions and standards
The Living Building Challenge has released the Net Zero Energy Building Certification to provide clearer definitions regarding what net zero really means and how it is to be achieved.
| Nov 5, 2013
Oakland University’s Human Health Building first LEED Platinum university building in Michigan [slideshow]
Built on the former site of a parking lot and an untended natural wetland, the 160,260-sf, five-story, terra cotta-clad building features some of the industry’s most innovative, energy-efficient building systems and advanced sustainable design features.
| Nov 4, 2013
Architecture and engineering industry outlook remains positive on all major indicators
While still below pre-recession levels, all of the key indicators in the latest Quarterly Market Forecast (QMF) report from PSMJ Resources remain in positive territory.
| Nov 1, 2013
Lean Construction Institute receives Turner Prize for Innovation in Construction
The National Building Museum and Turner Construction Company present the 11th Henry C. Turner Prize for Innovation in Construction to Lean Construction Institute. Lean construction is an innovative way to design and build structures that strives to create a safer workplace, reduce cost, and provide faster delivery while maintaining high quality control.