Worcester, MA
Stuent CPEP site is complete and ready for review.
Final Presentation posted to CPEP site.
Owner: Worcester Public Schools
Building Size: 195,000 s.f.
Height: 4 Stories
Project Cost: $54 Million
Location: 150 Harrington Way,
Worcester, MA 01604
The design team is utilizing a modern flair on the classic brick school house; bright colors, rectilinear forms and varying roof heights portray a move into the educational future. Common among all high schools, this facility is classified as Occupancy E (education). Zoning ordinances place the property in Worcester’s RL-7 district, meaning limited residential of minimum lot size 7,000 s.f. According to zoning, this is an applicable use of the land. No variance was required.
Construction Management by:
Gilbane Building Company
155 Federal Street
Boston, MA 02110
Gilbane Building Company
Design by:
City of Worcester
Public Works & Parks
Architectural Services
Worcester, MA
Worcester Public Works & Parks
Owner's Project Manager:
Maguire Group, Inc.
33 Commercial Street, Suite 1
Foxborough, MA 02035
Maguire Group
MEP Engineer:
RDK Engineers
200 Brickstone Square
Andover, MA 01810
RDK Engineers
Structural Engineer:
Harvey & Tracy Associates, Inc.
134 Dewey Street
Worcester, MA 01610
Site Engineer:
Cullinan Engineering Co., Inc.
200 Auburn Street
Auburn, MA 01501
Cullinan Engineering
Food Service Consultant:
Cromwell Consulting, Inc.
27 Glen Street, Suite 5
Stoughton, MA 02072
Cromwell Consulting
Electrical/Lighting
A 4,000 amp service feeds WNHS, split over a 3-phase 4-wye grid connection at 480/277 volts. Backup power is supplied via 400 kilowatt, diesel-fueled emergency generator. A fluorescent lighting system is network-interfaced for control and energy monitoring, as are the utility feeds. An allowance of $300,000 was included in the original estimate for a roof-mounted solar PV array. The system is currently being designed and analyzed by the mechanical engineers.
Mechanical
HVAC systems for WNHS are split between individual classroom energy recovery units and rooftop air handlers that supply VAV boxes for non-classroom spaces. A 2-pipe heating/cooling changeover system supplies the classroom recovery units. Heating is generated via two gas-fired boilers, capable of outputs from 200,000 – 3,000,000 BTUs/Hr. These Aerco “Benchmark” series boilers feature ultra-low nitrous-oxide output as well as 15:1 turn down ratios, ultimately creating a more enviro-friendly product. Cooling capabilities are furnished via one Trane RTHD series helical rotary chiller, capable of outputting 175 – 450 tons. This equipment is located in the mechanical room at the southwest corner of the first floor, where utilities also arrive at the building.
The entire HVAC system is linked electronically; the system can be monitored and controlled through a network interface at a computer terminal. This aids system management by allocating multiple controls through a solitary interface. Coupled with these controls is an outdoor temperature monitor which limits system functionality in a 15° range. A so-called “dead zone” locks out heating and cooling modes when the outdoor temperature is mild.
Structural
WNHS is a typical CMU/brick on steel superstructure design. The steel system supports composite decking for cast-in-place slabs, with steel shapes ranging from W8 to W24 in size. An EPDM membrane over rigid foam insulation and steel roof deck forms the major roof system. As part of building section C, the gymnasium, a truss system is used to span the gym and support the roof.
Due to the soil characteristics and the presence of ledge on-site, the building is designed for support by columns sitting on concrete piers, ranging from 3'x3' to 10'x10' in size, at a maximum depth of 3'. Piers are linked by 2'x3' grade beams. A 5" slab-on-grade, fiber reinforced, forms the basement floor, while 18" reinforced concrete walls form the perimeter of the building where there is a basement. No precast concrete is used.
Envelope/Skin
Brick veneer comprises the majority of the exterior surface. Two colors were chosen for the bricks; traditional red is used in a linear fashion, clearly designating each floor, while yellow brick is used on the ends of each wing to weight the structure visually into the earth. In addition to the brick veneer, enameled steel panels are used to clad the exterior between windows and in between each line of red brick. At the entrance of the building, an aluminum curtain wall is used to define the gym entrance as well as administration spaces.
Fire Protection
An 8" fire service connection to the water supply, backed by a 4" fire department street connection, feeds the typical wet-pipe sprinkler system for Worcester North. Water is delivered via quick-action pendant sprinkler heads located throughout the building. The sprinkler system is interconnected with the fire alarm system, with fire department access located in the lobby.
Transportation
The primary method for moving students 5 stairwells located at each quadrant of the school. However, there are two elevators and a wheel chair lift to be installed as well. One elevator is rated at 4,500 pound capacity, 150 fpm, and is located in the center of the building, designed to serve all four floors of the main building. The second elevator is rated at 2,500 pound capacity, 80 fpm and is located near the auditorium and gymnasium, serving primarily these major spaces. A 38"x60" wheel chair lift is incorporated into the auditorium to service the stage level and loggia, capable of lifting 750 pounds at 10 fpm.
Telecommunications
The telecommunications system is composed of intercom, security, cable television, internet and telephone networks. The entire network is distributed to 5 server racks, one per floor and one in the gym area. The cable television network is fed to each server room and split to each classroom from that point. Each space in the high school is serviced by a telephone, data and CATV outlet, as well as an intercom setup for all classrooms. The security system monitors all doors as well as occupancy sensors and glass break sensors.
Special Systems
As part of the auditorium and gymnasium areas, specialized audio/visual systems are to be installed. The auditorium will provide track mounted theater lighting fed to a control room at the rear of the theater. An audio system is to be installed with multiple outlets serving all areas of the auditorium, stage and green rooms. The gymnasium will receive a portable audio rack that can be stored and wheeled out when needed. Both audio systems are linked with the fire alarm system. An additional CCTV system is distributed to the administration’s computer system allowing select staff to monitor the premises. CCTV cameras will be located in hallways and around the perimeter of the facility.