USD Hahn University Student Center

Mechanical Construction: HVAC, Plumbing & BIM Services

VALUE DELIVERED

Improved academic environment; greater occupant safety, productivity, and comfort; minimal disruption to ongoing campus activities; avoidance of installation conflicts; earlier, more informed construction decisions; reduced energy consumption and costs; simplified maintenance; student access to state-of-the-art services and innovative technological resources; increased sense of community.

CONSTRUCTION OBJECTIVES

To renovate its Hahn University Center and add a 50,000-s.f. Student Life Pavilion.

MECHANICAL & BIM SOLUTIONS

The University of San Diego (USD) relied on UMEC’s extensive building information modeling (BIM) expertise – more than 100 BIM projects completed over the past decade — to overcome the scheduling challenges involved in renovating and expanding this four-story centerpiece of campus life. Orchestrating the project for all trades, UMEC led the coordination effort by providing the detailed 3-D information that pinpointed spatial and logistical conflicts, and enabled their resolution prior to construction, significantly reducing change orders and helping to control costs.

UMEC's responsibilities involved all mechanical, HVAC and plumbing systems installation, including five air handlers, three makeup air units, nine exhaust fans, 68 variable air volume (VAV) boxes, four pumps, and one boiler. The plumbing scope included a new kitchen with a grease interceptor and bathrooms.

Despite the project’s broad scope, all of the offices in the existing building remained open and fully operational during the construction process. Thanks to UMEC’s BIM skills, the company met the client’s critical scheduling demands, while delivering a project that will serve the university and its students for many years to come.

EDUCATIONAL FACILITY BACKGROUND

Originally built in 1986, the Ernest and Jean Hahn University Center serves as the hub of USD’s student life activities. It contains dining areas, meeting rooms, lounges, and offices for students and faculty. The expansion added a full-service dining area and greenhouse market, as well as additional office space for student affairs.