Macy-Flagler-Halsted Dormitories
MACY-FLAGLER-HALSTED DORMITORIES
Three dormitories were in serious need of improvements and upgrades. After a thorough analysis, it was found that only the structural masonry cores and roof framing structures were salvageable. The mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems were no longer effective. The exterior walls, windows and doors provided little to no thermal protection, and the building required asbestos remediation. The buildings also had an army-barrack aesthetic that made them the least desirable place to live on campus.
Windigo’s design process began with the reconfiguration of the buildings’ facades. Exterior walls were completely removed and rebuilt with closed cell spray-foam insulation, giving an R-value of 30 and reducing energy costs by more than 45%. Old oil burning furnaces were replaced with high-efficiency natural gas versions, and heat distribution was delivered by low temp slim profile radiators.
The greatest challenge was that the reconstruction had to be complete within a 90 day “Summer Slam”. Windigo met this requirement by streamlining the design process and managing simultaneous input from administration, faculty residents, and facilities management. The project schedule was further optimized by working directly with the General Contractor to develop the project schedule and by providing intensive on-site representation to answer questions and provide clarification when needed.
