Scalability of BIM, User Collaboration, and Sustainability for Smaller Laboratory Facilities
Gary Bloom, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Larry VanHouten, McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.
The Maximum Energy Efficiency Research Laboratory (MAXLAB) is a new, 25,000-gross-square-foot research facility at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The facility incorporates a main building technology research facility and two field research platforms (FRPs). Researchers utilize these platforms to test different exterior wall systems, interior HVAC systems, and other internal building components.
The MAXLAB features a high-bay Multi-Functional Envelope Laboratory (MFEL), which contains space for the construction and testing of envelope assemblies and the low-bay HVAC laboratory, which contains two environmental chambers for HVAC systems testing.
The project team utilized scaled-back advanced building information modeling (BIM) practices in the areas of owner engagement, site logistics, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing coordination. BIM was required during the design phase and was enhanced during the construction phase. The team improved construction performance by applying BIM to eliminate interface and clashes between building systems and components, and to ensure scientific research equipment would fit in the planned space with adequate operating clearance.
Pursuing LEED® Gold on a small laboratory project required the innovative use of energy efficient technologies. The building is designed to operate with 30 percent greater energy efficiency than the ASHRAE 90.1 Baseline Building Model. The team achieved this efficiency through the use of several innovative building systems developed for larger projects but scaled down for incorporation on this smaller facility.
The two MAXLAB FRP facilities allow industrial and university collaborations to more effectively leverage expertise and capabilities in the national laboratories, support the development of new technologies, and increase the likelihood that they will successfully enter the market. Manufacturer associations can collaborate with researchers to improve products, product installation, and energy efficiency.
Both FRPs are designed for future installation of removable exterior walls, flexible internal HVAC system configuration, and instrumentation to support testing of various building technologies, materials and systems. The FRPs are positioned for solar access throughout the day and include an active foundation thermal management system. It is intended that prototypical changes can include the envelope as noted, variable zoning strategy, and flexibility in testing internal functions such as display case aisles, fast food kitchens, flexible office designs, or other elements of various low-rise commercial building configuration and use.
Biographies:
Gary Bloom has more than 20 years of project and program management experience in both public and private development of facilities and infrastructure. He has managed environmental projects nationally and internationally in support of both remedial action and cleanup of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and other contaminated sites. His international experience includes nuclear nonproliferation programs in Russia and other countries. Mr. Bloom sharpened his project expertise with more than 11 years in the private sector developing national retail centers throughout the United States. Most recently, he served as the project manager for the Modernization of Laboratory Facilities project, building a 160,000-gross-square-foot Chemical and Materials Science facility, and the Maximum Energy Efficiency Laboratory for Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Gary holds a civil engineering degree from the University of Tennessee and is an active project management professional.
With more than 30 years in the construction industry and with McCarthy Building Companies, Inc., Larry VanHouten is a consummate builder. Mr. VanHouten served in multiple roles from engineer through director, growing his expertise in every facet of the construction process on some of the most complex projects in McCarthy history. He honed his skills and knowledge through a diverse portfolio of challenging healthcare, manufacturing and high-tech laboratory projects for clients such as Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Idaho National Laboratory, Elantas PDG, Inc., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Sigma-Aldrich, and Monsanto. Mr. VanHouton served as project director for four projects with ORNL, including the Chemical and Material Sciences Building and most recently the MAXLAB. As director, he led the planning and preconstruction effort, oversaw the project team, managed construction services, and was ultimately responsible for the successful delivery of the MAXLAB in line with ORNL's goals, budget, and schedule.