Austin Energy System Control Center
Austin Energy System Control Center | Austin, Texas
This project entailed the conversion of a 120,000-sq.-ft. former semiconductor testing facility into a data center, energy control center and offices. The scope of the project includes salvage and re-use of equipment and materials, renovations, new construction and site work. Initially designed to achieve LEED Silver, the project exceeded expectations and was awarded LEED Gold.
Project Scope
Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools were used to streamline coordination of equipment installation and to resolve clashes before designs were complete. At the construction mid-way point, the team had identified 400 major clashes that led to re-sizing of ductwork, lowering ceilings and re-routing of mechanical and electrical systems. The mechanical team estimated that the electronic coordination saved them approximately two months on the schedule and $10,000-50,000 due to lack of conflicts.
DPR created the architectural, structural and miscellaneous support models. The mechanical and electrical subcontractors each created their scopes in the model, as did the telecommunication and fire protection contractors. The subcontractors gained the most use of the models through multidiscipline coordination, shop drawing creation and visuals to attach to RFIs.
At project completion, the model was handed over to the owner to use with their "as-built" documentation and facility management.