Dental Science Building

Addition and Renovations – Dental Science Building – University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa

Project History
This project consists of the construction of a 33,000 sf addition,  the renovation of 7500 sf of research laboratory and office space in the north building, and the renovation of the 130,000 sf of clinical, laboratory, and workroom space in the south building.  Both the Phase One Addition and the Phase Two Renovation projects are anticipated to achieve a minimum of LEED Silver certification, with the Addition currently on track to receive LEED Gold.

Heating and Cooling Design
The scope of mechanical work includes installation of new fire suppression system, HVAC systems including total energy recovery, chilled water, steam, heating water, fume hood exhaust, laboratory systems including deionized water, compressed air, vacuum, gas, nitrous oxide and oxygen, oral suction, domestic hot and cold water systems, acid waste and vent, hydronic snow melt, and building automation. The renovation of the Dows Research Laboratory in the north building also included the installation of a complete new HVAC system as required to maintain required pressure relationships.

Electrical Design
The electrical scope of work includes the installation of lighting, lighting controls, and normal and emergency power in support of the addition and renovated areas.  The project also includes a new 15kV primary and 480V secondary electrical service entrance and distribution for the entire building, a new addressable fire alarm system in support of addition and renovated areas and new telecommunications and audio/visual systems for the project were also provided in accordance with University standards.  The project includes a new cabling plant for the entire project area.

One of the main challenges associated with projects of this type is the amount of site investigation required to establish specific connection points for and to identify potential issues at the interface with the existing mechanical and electrical systems.  In addition, the Phase Two renovation project is sequenced over a four-year period during which time the building, including all clinic areas, will remain in continuous use.

Download the Project Case Study:    UI Dental Science