Ithaca, NY
Cornell University, Veterinary Research Tower
Scope/Solutions
The Veterinary Research Tower is a nine-story structure that was built in the 1970s, and is clad with brick veneer and curtain walls. The walls were constructed without insulation or air barriers and single-pane windows and curtain walls. Cornell University commissioned a whole building condition assessment and design concepts for making code upgrades, improving energy efficiency, and addressing other maintenance. SGH assisted the architect by assessing the building enclosure’s condition and recommending repair options.
Highlights of our work include the following:
- Conducting a facade and roof condition assessment using conventional and rope access techniques
- Performing water testing and making observations at exploratory openings
- Recommending repairs and maintenance for the windows, roofs, and facade
- Evaluating the effects of adding insulation to the brick veneer walls both from the interior and exterior using transient moisture vapor drive analysis
- Collaborating with the architect and MEP designer on whole building energy analyses by providing anticipated u-factors for both existing and proposed building enclosure components
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Project Summary
2010
Completion Date
5M
Construction Value
Solutions
Repair & Rehabilitation | Preservation
Services
Building Enclosures | Performance & Code Consulting | Applied Science & Research
Markets
Education
Client(s)
Anshen + Allen
Specialized Capabilities
Condition Assessments | Preservation | Energy & Sustainability | Environmental Simulations
Key team members
Additional Projects
Northeast
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, International Design Center, Tectonics of Transparency: The Wall
Acting as a symbol of the creative and cutting-edge work taking place in the center, the sculpture is not made of typical laminated glass units. SGH provided structural design services for the project.
Northeast
Bentley University, Campus-wide Condition Assessments
To better plan for capital expenses, the university needed to understand the condition of their buildings. SGH performed building enclosure condition assessments, recommended facade and roofing repairs, and estimated costs for the university’s consideration.