Qualcomm Office Complex, Buildings W-A,B,C

Design/Build Mechanical Construction Services

VALUE DELIVERED

New space to support company growth and technological leadership; superior comfort and productivity; design/build method to allow efficient project coordination; minimal disruption to ongoing client operations.

MECHANICAL CONSTRUCTION OBJECTIVES

To provide mechanical and plumbing systems installation for its new office complex; to reduce energy consumption and costs while providing maximum building comfort and productivity.

MECHANICAL DESIGN/BUILD SOLUTIONS

Seeking a company with broad design/build experience and up-to-date “green building” expertise, Qualcomm chose UMEC as its mechanical contractor for three two-story structures on its new Building W campus. By working closely with the project’s engineering firm early in the design and planning stage, UMEC designers and other project team members identified ways to compress the project schedule, reduce costs and maximize energy efficiency.

As mechanical construction began, experienced UMEC teams equipped two of the buildings with watersource heat pump systems consisting of new fluid coolers and condenser water pumps. In addition, the company provided 75 heat pump zones in one facility and 60 in the other. The third building will continue to use existing air handlers and chillers, extending the return on those investments.

Overall, UMEC crews installed approximately 75 VAV (variable air volume) boxes with reheat coils, new ducts and hot water heating pipes, and new core restrooms and breakroom sinks. The company also installed HVAC systems including compressed air systems and the piping that connects them to outlets in the lab areas.

BUILDING BACKGROUND

Qualcomm, the world’s largest provider of wireless chipset technology, is a leader in developing and delivering innovative digital wireless communications products and services. Powering the majority of all 3G devices commercially available today, the company has helped lead the diversification of wireless into new segments by enabling mobile internet connectivity to laptop PCs, consumer electronics and pocketable computing devices. Qualcomm also provides integrated wireless systems and services to businesses around the world.