PSU's SRTC Remodel - They Said it Wasn't Possible

Mark Fujii, PSU
Scott Barton-Smith, IDC Architects

The SRTC (Science Research and Teaching Center) Remodel at Portland State University illustrates the value of renovating outdated and underperforming laboratory buildings:

  • The 1968, 215,000sf, 6 story building was antiquated and equipment was wearing out
  • It was noncompliant with current seismic codes
  • Existing fume hoods in did not effectively capture fumes
  • Its EUI (Energy Use Index) of 204 was higher than any other building on campus
  • A $45.3M budget was allocated to remodel the infrastructure and modernize the building. The original estimate for the remodel was $250M.
  • $9.5M of the $45.3M budget was to be raised by PSU's Science Department as a matching fund
  • Due to campus space constraints, the building was to remain occupied during the renovation

PSU's project manager attended Labs 21 for 2 years to gather information on trends. IDC Architects was retained to design the remodel and Hoffman Construction was selected as a CM/GC in the early phases of design

Magic began to happen:

  • A matrix was created to summarize "Conditions of Satisfaction" for all project stakeholders. It set priorities for the project, and it became the basis for a design that allowed PSU to choose from a range of improvements at bid-time
  • Advanced seismic analysis was used to find the best approach to the structural upgrade, taking best advantage of the building's strengths and minimizing impact to continuing operation
  • The City endorsed the architects' proposal to highlight new external stainless steel ductwork to express the building's function and emphasize the scope of the renovation
  • Construction phasing was adapted to take advantage of the segregated existing infrastructure systems, allowing specific zones of the building to be renovated while others remained operational
  • A "Swing Space" was created in the basement laboratories to accommodate continued research and teaching during renovation of the upper floors
  • While all major infrastructure systems were upgraded, only a strategic number of laboratories were modernized under the limited budget. These new laboratories support ongoing fundraising to modernize the remaining spaces, a goal which is now more affordable as the new infrastructure is already in place.

The Results:

  • The new Science and Research Technology Center is a featured campus resource, exemplifying excellence in PSU's academic program
  • 125 manually controlled, independent exhaust fans were replaced with 10 new ones, enhancing efficiency and redundancy
  • The building EUI was reduced by 18% through installation of 169 new, low flow, variable volume fume hoods, a heat recovery system and a series of variable speed drives
  • PSU will share energy consumption numbers before and after
  • LEED Gold was achieved

Learning Objectives

  • Leasing outside space and moving staff and faculty during the construction process is time consuming and costly. Conference attendees will learn how to remodel a buidling while continuing to occupy their buidling.
  • Conference attendees will learn the advanced analysis techniques (seismic evaluation and airflow modeling) to refine design solutions and achieve the greatest return on investment.
  • Conference attendees will learn how to make the most of their funding dollars. Creating "Conditions of Satisfaction" help prioritize project needs when the necessary funds are not available to the project team.

Biographies:

Mark has worked as a mechanical engineer and project manager over the past 33 years to help entities excel in the completion of complex, multi-discipline projects and resolve multi-faceted problems.

As Portland State University's Capital Projects Manager, he recently completed a $45.3M remodel of the Science Research and Teaching Center (SRTC) including replacement of building HVAC systems, remodel of old laboratories, and seismic upgrade of the building. LEED Gold was achieved.

Mr. Barton-Smith has over 17 years of experience in architectural design focusing on laboratories. Recently he led the design of an extensive renovation and addition to PSU's flagship science building including modernization of laboratories for Biology, Physics, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences. The project included a seismic retrofit and complete overhaul of the building's antiquated exhaust system, as well as featured laboratory modernizations.

 

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