Code Red Consultants
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Experience: Market: Education

University of New England, Ripich Commons

University of New England (UNE) Ripich Commons, located on the Biddeford campus’ riverfront, is a new three-level, multi-purpose facility designed to support the everyday needs of residential, commuter, and graduate students. Complete with study areas, relaxation spaces, a fire pit, outdoor patios, and a one-stop-shopping venue for student services – from academic advising to career services to financial aid – the Danielle N. Ripich Commons also houses the campus’ main dining venue and a pub-style eatery with outdoor seating. The second floor of the building is connected to the main floor of the campus’ library by a glass bridge, creating easy transitions from the academic core of the campus to the Commons and then on to the residence halls. All three levels feature fireplaces as well as vast windows on the building’s northwestern side that allow for stunning views of the Saco River.

Code Red Consultants developed a comprehensive code report, reviewed architectural plans for conformance with the applicable codes, and coordinated with architect Shepley Bulfinch and Authorities Having Jurisdiction on all code compliance facets of the project. Ripich Commons not only reflects UNE’s commitment to the student experience but also demonstrates its dedication to ecological sustainability. Designed in accordance with the highest standards of environmentally-friendly construction, the Commons was built using regionally sourced materials as well as materials with high recycled content. Code Red Consultants coordinated with the design team on the use of wood materials within the building, particularly for the roof framing and decking of the building. Our firm also helped establish acceptable wood beams and decking sizes to achieve compliance with the Maine Uniform Building Code.

Location

Biddeford, Maine

Size

60,000 SF

Cost

N/A

Completion

2018

University of New England, Ripich Commons

University of New England (UNE) Ripich Commons, located on the Biddeford campus’ riverfront, is a new three-level, multi-purpose facility designed to support the everyday needs of residential, commuter, and graduate students. Complete with study areas, relaxation spaces, a fire pit, outdoor patios, and a one-stop-shopping venue for student services – from academic advising to career services to financial aid – the Danielle N. Ripich Commons also houses the campus’ main dining venue and a pub-style eatery with outdoor seating. The second floor of the building is connected to the main floor of the campus’ library by a glass bridge, creating easy transitions from the academic core of the campus to the Commons and then on to the residence halls. All three levels feature fireplaces as well as vast windows on the building’s northwestern side that allow for stunning views of the Saco River.

Code Red Consultants developed a comprehensive code report, reviewed architectural plans for conformance with the applicable codes, and coordinated with architect Shepley Bulfinch and Authorities Having Jurisdiction on all code compliance facets of the project. Ripich Commons not only reflects UNE’s commitment to the student experience but also demonstrates its dedication to ecological sustainability. Designed in accordance with the highest standards of environmentally-friendly construction, the Commons was built using regionally sourced materials as well as materials with high recycled content. Code Red Consultants coordinated with the design team on the use of wood materials within the building, particularly for the roof framing and decking of the building. Our firm also helped establish acceptable wood beams and decking sizes to achieve compliance with the Maine Uniform Building Code.

University of Houston Health and Biomedical Sciences Building 2

Completed in 2017, the Health and Biomedical Sciences Building 2 (HBSB2) integrates teaching, research, and clinical programs in the second phase of development on the University of Houston’s biomedical campus. The nine-story, 300,000 SF facility provides a new home for the College of Pharmacy and expanded research space for the university-wide Department of Research. These consolidated lab facilities promote critical workforce training in the pharmaceutical and biomedical sectors and support translational research and collaboration among pharmacological research groups.

The HBSB2 building includes specialized research and teaching labs, faculty offices, an expanded Health Sciences Library, and a mix of teaching spaces. The first and second floors consolidate clinical and clinical teaching programs into an innovative care environment with primary care, physical therapy and behavioral health services in a new model of integrated care. The facility offers direct connections to adjoining Health Sciences buildings on four floors.

Code Red Consultants was engaged during construction to help resolve code compliance challenges with the University’s State Fire Marshal’s Office. These issues revolved primarily around means of egress, vertical openings, and the storage and use of hazardous materials within the building. Code Red Consultants collaborated with architect Shepley Bulfinch, the University, and code officials to resolve life safety issues while the building was under construction. This required constant coordination amongst the team, developing solutions quickly and efficiently while minimizing the impact on the design of the building. To that end, Code Red Consultants implemented a fire-resistance rated horizontal exit strategy into the building to resolve egress capacity issues from an upper level.

Location

Houston, Texas

Size

300,000 SF

Cost

$145 million

Completion

2017

Photography Credit

Robert Benson Photography

University of Houston Health and Biomedical Sciences Building 2

Completed in 2017, the Health and Biomedical Sciences Building 2 (HBSB2) integrates teaching, research, and clinical programs in the second phase of development on the University of Houston’s biomedical campus. The nine-story, 300,000 SF facility provides a new home for the College of Pharmacy and expanded research space for the university-wide Department of Research. These consolidated lab facilities promote critical workforce training in the pharmaceutical and biomedical sectors and support translational research and collaboration among pharmacological research groups.

The HBSB2 building includes specialized research and teaching labs, faculty offices, an expanded Health Sciences Library, and a mix of teaching spaces. The first and second floors consolidate clinical and clinical teaching programs into an innovative care environment with primary care, physical therapy and behavioral health services in a new model of integrated care. The facility offers direct connections to adjoining Health Sciences buildings on four floors.

Code Red Consultants was engaged during construction to help resolve code compliance challenges with the University’s State Fire Marshal’s Office. These issues revolved primarily around means of egress, vertical openings, and the storage and use of hazardous materials within the building. Code Red Consultants collaborated with architect Shepley Bulfinch, the University, and code officials to resolve life safety issues while the building was under construction. This required constant coordination amongst the team, developing solutions quickly and efficiently while minimizing the impact on the design of the building. To that end, Code Red Consultants implemented a fire-resistance rated horizontal exit strategy into the building to resolve egress capacity issues from an upper level.

UMass Boston Residence Halls

The University of Massachusetts (UMass) Boston opened its first-ever residence halls at the start of the 2018 academic year. The 1,077-bed student housing complex consists of two buildings, ranging from nine to twelve stories, offering a mixture of styles ranging from single-occupancy apartments to four-person units. It includes living-learning amenities open to the entire UMass Boston community, such as seminar rooms, study lounges, and a 500-seat dining commons. Code Red Consultants served as code consultant for the project, preparing a comprehensive code compliance approach report as well as construction fire safety and NFPA 241 programs.

Marking an important milestone for the university, the project aimed to provide an inclusive residential student environment. As such, Code Red Consultants sought and received approval for a plumbing code variance to provide gender neutral showers and bathrooms that are open to the corridors on each residential level for use by all occupants.

The UMass Boston residence halls were designed by Elkus Manfredi Architects and built by Shawmut Design and Construction. The complex was built through a public-private partnership, a model that is the first of its kind for the UMass system. The UMass Building Authority contracted with Capstone Development Partners to lease a portion of the UMass Boston campus to construct the residence halls. Provident Commonwealth Education Resources, Inc., a nonprofit management entity, owns and operates the facility, and UMass Boston oversees student life.

Location

Boston, Mass.

Size

260,000 SF

Cost

$120 million

Completion

2018

Photography Credit

Code Red Consultants

UMass Boston Residence Halls

The University of Massachusetts (UMass) Boston opened its first-ever residence halls at the start of the 2018 academic year. The 1,077-bed student housing complex consists of two buildings, ranging from nine to twelve stories, offering a mixture of styles ranging from single-occupancy apartments to four-person units. It includes living-learning amenities open to the entire UMass Boston community, such as seminar rooms, study lounges, and a 500-seat dining commons. Code Red Consultants served as code consultant for the project, preparing a comprehensive code compliance approach report as well as construction fire safety and NFPA 241 programs.

Marking an important milestone for the university, the project aimed to provide an inclusive residential student environment. As such, Code Red Consultants sought and received approval for a plumbing code variance to provide gender neutral showers and bathrooms that are open to the corridors on each residential level for use by all occupants.

The UMass Boston residence halls were designed by Elkus Manfredi Architects and built by Shawmut Design and Construction. The complex was built through a public-private partnership, a model that is the first of its kind for the UMass system. The UMass Building Authority contracted with Capstone Development Partners to lease a portion of the UMass Boston campus to construct the residence halls. Provident Commonwealth Education Resources, Inc., a nonprofit management entity, owns and operates the facility, and UMass Boston oversees student life.

Stockton University, Atlantic City Residential Complex

In 2018, Stockton University opened the new Atlantic City Residential Complex, a student housing facility and academic center just 14 miles away from its main campus in Galloway Township, New Jersey. The state-of-the-art residential complex offers students a unique experience of ocean views and access to O’Donnell Memorial Park in the historic Chelsea neighborhood. The five-story building can house more than 530 students in a variety of affordable campus apartments, and also features retail space, staff apartments, a fitness center and amenity spaces.

Working with Elkus Manfredi Architects, Code Red Consultants provided code consulting services during the design phase. The firm’s consultants attended on-site design review meetings with state building inspectors to assist the project team with obtaining a building permit for the project.

Location

Atlantic City, NJ

Size

220,000 SF

Cost

N/A

Completion

2018

Rendering Credit

Elkus Manfredi Architects

Stockton University, Atlantic City Residential Complex

In 2018, Stockton University opened the new Atlantic City Residential Complex, a student housing facility and academic center just 14 miles away from its main campus in Galloway Township, New Jersey. The state-of-the-art residential complex offers students a unique experience of ocean views and access to O’Donnell Memorial Park in the historic Chelsea neighborhood. The five-story building can house more than 530 students in a variety of affordable campus apartments, and also features retail space, staff apartments, a fitness center and amenity spaces.

Working with Elkus Manfredi Architects, Code Red Consultants provided code consulting services during the design phase. The firm’s consultants attended on-site design review meetings with state building inspectors to assist the project team with obtaining a building permit for the project.

Sacred Heart University West Campus

In 2016, Sacred Heart University acquired General Electric’s 66-acre former global headquarters located down the street from SHU’s main campus in Fairfield, Conn. The 550,000 SF, three-building property, named Sacred Heart’s West Campus, provides SHU with a unique opportunity to contribute to education, research, healthcare, and the community.

For phase one, Code Red Consultants was retained to provide code consulting services for the repositioning of the 70,000 SF existing office building into classrooms, offices, and meeting areas for Sacred Heart University students and staff. Code Red Consultants worked closely with the design team to develop strategies for egress, plumbing, and accessibility compliance. The firm also performed an evaluation of the existing fire protection and life safety features within the building, which helped the design team and University make informed decisions for its reuse.

The original building had many unique features that made renovations difficult, prompting the development of compliance alternatives and phased renovation strategies that met the goals of the University and the intent of the code. Code Red Consultants identified existing construction-type features that were previously approved options no longer permitted under the current code. To solve the deficiencies in egress compliance, the firm sought approval from Authorities Having Jurisdiction to continue use of the existing building as previously approved. This resulted in a significant cost savings for the project by not needing to add exit stairs and/or additional fire proofing.

Location

Fairfield, Conn.

Size

70,000 SF

Cost

N/A

Completion

2018

Photography Credit

Sacred Heart University

Sacred Heart University West Campus

In 2016, Sacred Heart University acquired General Electric’s 66-acre former global headquarters located down the street from SHU’s main campus in Fairfield, Conn. The 550,000 SF, three-building property, named Sacred Heart’s West Campus, provides SHU with a unique opportunity to contribute to education, research, healthcare, and the community.

For phase one, Code Red Consultants was retained to provide code consulting services for the repositioning of the 70,000 SF existing office building into classrooms, offices, and meeting areas for Sacred Heart University students and staff. Code Red Consultants worked closely with the design team to develop strategies for egress, plumbing, and accessibility compliance. The firm also performed an evaluation of the existing fire protection and life safety features within the building, which helped the design team and University make informed decisions for its reuse.

The original building had many unique features that made renovations difficult, prompting the development of compliance alternatives and phased renovation strategies that met the goals of the University and the intent of the code. Code Red Consultants identified existing construction-type features that were previously approved options no longer permitted under the current code. To solve the deficiencies in egress compliance, the firm sought approval from Authorities Having Jurisdiction to continue use of the existing building as previously approved. This resulted in a significant cost savings for the project by not needing to add exit stairs and/or additional fire proofing.

Northeastern University Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Complex

The new Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Complex (ISEC) at Northeastern University was imagined as a cutting-edge science facility to establish the University as a premier research institution in Boston. Designed by Payette as a hub for collaborative research, the 234,000 SF ISEC is shaped by faculty neighborhoods and wide open, flexible laboratories that surround a central, six-story atrium. A mix of wet labs, dry labs, and computational space on each floor support interdisciplinary research teams.

Code Red Consultants assisted with construction fire safety centering around the development of a comprehensive NFPA 241 program that was sustained throughout original construction of the base building and served as the basis of construction safety throughout all interior fit-out projects. Code Red Consultants worked with Suffolk Construction on the shell and core construction and Skanska for interior fit-out projects, collaborating with both general contractors to address timely permitting and maintenance of a safe work environment for concurrent exterior and interior construction work.

Location

Boston, Mass.

Size

234,000 SF

Cost

$225 million

Completion

2017

Photography Credit

Code Red Consultants

Northeastern University Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Complex

The new Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Complex (ISEC) at Northeastern University was imagined as a cutting-edge science facility to establish the University as a premier research institution in Boston. Designed by Payette as a hub for collaborative research, the 234,000 SF ISEC is shaped by faculty neighborhoods and wide open, flexible laboratories that surround a central, six-story atrium. A mix of wet labs, dry labs, and computational space on each floor support interdisciplinary research teams.

Code Red Consultants assisted with construction fire safety centering around the development of a comprehensive NFPA 241 program that was sustained throughout original construction of the base building and served as the basis of construction safety throughout all interior fit-out projects. Code Red Consultants worked with Suffolk Construction on the shell and core construction and Skanska for interior fit-out projects, collaborating with both general contractors to address timely permitting and maintenance of a safe work environment for concurrent exterior and interior construction work.

Haverford College Magill Library Renovation/New Lutnick Library

Haverford College is working with Perry Dean Rogers Partners Architects on the renovation and expansion of Magill Library to create a center for campus life with a 21st century teaching, research, and academic focus. The library is an intricately complex and varied structure constructed over four eras (1864-1898, 1912, 1941, and 1967) and listed on the historic registry of the Haverford Township Historical Commission. The historic parts of Magill Library will be preserved while a major portion of the existing building will be demolished and replaced with a new addition. The Magill Library closed at the end of the fall 2017 semester and will reopen as the Lutnick Library when construction is complete.

Code Red Consultants developed a comprehensive code report, prepared life safety plans, and coordinated with the design team and Authorities Having Jurisdiction on all code compliance facets of the project. The firm discovered that the older portions of the library building were significantly deficient as related to code compliance. Code Red Consultants evaluated the existing building and helped the design team develop approaches to bring the facility into compliance with current codes. The design required structural adjustments to the remaining parts of the building to re-orient the library and accommodate the building program.

The new library will feature technologically robust spaces, active teaching and learning spaces, a Digital Scholarship Commons, a significantly enhanced Quaker & Special Collections area, collaborative group study rooms, and a café.

Location

Haverford, Penn.

Size

30,570 GSF Renovation, 32,380 GSF Demolition + Addition

Cost

$33 million

Completion

2019 (proposed)

Rendering Credit

Perry Dean Rogers Partners Architects

Haverford College Magill Library Renovation/New Lutnick Library

Haverford College is working with Perry Dean Rogers Partners Architects on the renovation and expansion of Magill Library to create a center for campus life with a 21st century teaching, research, and academic focus. The library is an intricately complex and varied structure constructed over four eras (1864-1898, 1912, 1941, and 1967) and listed on the historic registry of the Haverford Township Historical Commission. The historic parts of Magill Library will be preserved while a major portion of the existing building will be demolished and replaced with a new addition. The Magill Library closed at the end of the fall 2017 semester and will reopen as the Lutnick Library when construction is complete.

Code Red Consultants developed a comprehensive code report, prepared life safety plans, and coordinated with the design team and Authorities Having Jurisdiction on all code compliance facets of the project. The firm discovered that the older portions of the library building were significantly deficient as related to code compliance. Code Red Consultants evaluated the existing building and helped the design team develop approaches to bring the facility into compliance with current codes. The design required structural adjustments to the remaining parts of the building to re-orient the library and accommodate the building program.

The new library will feature technologically robust spaces, active teaching and learning spaces, a Digital Scholarship Commons, a significantly enhanced Quaker & Special Collections area, collaborative group study rooms, and a café.

College of the Holy Cross, Center for the Arts and Creativity

Designed as a new gateway to the College of the Holy Cross campus, the new Center for the Arts and Creativity will provide dedicated spaces for the fine and performing arts as well as spaces and technology to support creative interactions between the arts and other disciplines. Currently under construction, the four-story facility features a 400-seat proscenium-style concert hall and theater, a 200-seat flexible experimental theater space, theatrical support spaces, multimedia teaching rooms, a café, an art gallery, and several outdoor amenities.

Code Red Consultants’ services included development of a comprehensive code report, preparation of life safety plans, and coordination with design team members and Authorities Having Jurisdiction on all code compliance facets of the project, including the three-story atrium at the center of the building. The firm’s consultants utilized performance-based design with fire and smoke modeling to design the atrium smoke exhaust system. The modeling allowed for a smaller exhaust system and less make-up air than would be required utilizing prescriptive calculations in the code. This approach resulted in less costly exhaust fans and a lesser impact on the architectural design of the building.

Diller Scofidio + Renfro is the design architect and Perry Dean Rogers is the executive architect for the project.

Location

Worcester, Mass.

Size

84,000 SF

Cost

$92 million

Completion

TBD

Rending Credit

Diller Scofidio + Renfro

College of the Holy Cross, Center for the Arts and Creativity

Designed as a new gateway to the College of the Holy Cross campus, the new Center for the Arts and Creativity will provide dedicated spaces for the fine and performing arts as well as spaces and technology to support creative interactions between the arts and other disciplines. Currently under construction, the four-story facility features a 400-seat proscenium-style concert hall and theater, a 200-seat flexible experimental theater space, theatrical support spaces, multimedia teaching rooms, a café, an art gallery, and several outdoor amenities.

Code Red Consultants’ services included development of a comprehensive code report, preparation of life safety plans, and coordination with design team members and Authorities Having Jurisdiction on all code compliance facets of the project, including the three-story atrium at the center of the building. The firm’s consultants utilized performance-based design with fire and smoke modeling to design the atrium smoke exhaust system. The modeling allowed for a smaller exhaust system and less make-up air than would be required utilizing prescriptive calculations in the code. This approach resulted in less costly exhaust fans and a lesser impact on the architectural design of the building.

Diller Scofidio + Renfro is the design architect and Perry Dean Rogers is the executive architect for the project.

Billerica Memorial High School

Designed by Perkins + Will and currently under construction by Shawmut Design and Construction, the new Billerica Memorial High School will accommodate more than 1,600 students from grades 8 through 12 as well as a 200-student pre-k program. The new $175 million high school will be one of the largest in the state, spanning upwards of 325,000 SF. Code Red Consultants served as the code consultant on the project and worked closely with the design team as well as Billerica building and fire officials throughout the design of the project.

This groundbreaking project will be one of the first to be designed and constructed under the new 9th Edition of 780 CMR, which is based on the 2015 International Building Code. In addition to the classrooms, the building also features a three-story atrium under a heavy timber roof in the commons area where Code Red Consultants provided CFD fire/smoke modeling. The performance-based design for the atrium reduced mechanical exhaust rates and lowered make-up air requirements beyond what would have been required using prescriptive code calculations. This atrium approach reduced construction costs and architectural implications on the building design. During construction, the firm will also provide third party special inspection services for the atrium smoke control system.

Location

Billerica, Mass.

Size

325,000 SF

Cost

$175 million

Completion

2019

Rendering Credit

Perkins + Will

Billerica Memorial High School

Designed by Perkins + Will and currently under construction by Shawmut Design and Construction, the new Billerica Memorial High School will accommodate more than 1,600 students from grades 8 through 12 as well as a 200-student pre-k program. The new $175 million high school will be one of the largest in the state, spanning upwards of 325,000 SF. Code Red Consultants served as the code consultant on the project and worked closely with the design team as well as Billerica building and fire officials throughout the design of the project.

This groundbreaking project will be one of the first to be designed and constructed under the new 9th Edition of 780 CMR, which is based on the 2015 International Building Code. In addition to the classrooms, the building also features a three-story atrium under a heavy timber roof in the commons area where Code Red Consultants provided CFD fire/smoke modeling. The performance-based design for the atrium reduced mechanical exhaust rates and lowered make-up air requirements beyond what would have been required using prescriptive code calculations. This atrium approach reduced construction costs and architectural implications on the building design. During construction, the firm will also provide third party special inspection services for the atrium smoke control system.

Amherst College Science Center

Designed to promote interaction among students in the sciences, across departments, and with the campus, the new Science Center at Amherst College creates an open and accessible learning environment for the entire campus community. The program is organized into five building elements: two high energy laboratory wings tucked into the hillside along the east edge of the site, and three pavilions of low intensity program set in the landscape to the west, towards campus.

The lab wings and pavilions open to a glass-enclosed commons that serves as a gathering space and point of connection for the community. A new campus “living room” is the social centerpiece, which is balanced by a science library and a café. A more intimate sunken garden provides respite for quiet study and introspection. The Amherst College New Science Center is a state-of-the-art teaching and research facility containing the departments of biology, biochemistry and biophysics, chemistry, computer science, physics and astronomy, neuroscience, and psychology.

Serving as the project’s code consultant, Code Red Consultants was responsible for developing and presenting the building’s code compliance approach to the Town of Amherst’s Building and Fire Departments. Working with architect Payette Associates, Code Red Consultants’ services included building, fire, accessibility and hazardous materials code consulting as well as performance-based design analysis of the atrium smoke control system using a computational fluid dynamics computer model.

Location

Amherst, Mass.

Size

255,000 SF

Cost

$250 million

Completion

2018

Photography Credit

Chuck Choi

Amherst College Science Center

Designed to promote interaction among students in the sciences, across departments, and with the campus, the new Science Center at Amherst College creates an open and accessible learning environment for the entire campus community. The program is organized into five building elements: two high energy laboratory wings tucked into the hillside along the east edge of the site, and three pavilions of low intensity program set in the landscape to the west, towards campus.

The lab wings and pavilions open to a glass-enclosed commons that serves as a gathering space and point of connection for the community. A new campus “living room” is the social centerpiece, which is balanced by a science library and a café. A more intimate sunken garden provides respite for quiet study and introspection. The Amherst College New Science Center is a state-of-the-art teaching and research facility containing the departments of biology, biochemistry and biophysics, chemistry, computer science, physics and astronomy, neuroscience, and psychology.

Serving as the project’s code consultant, Code Red Consultants was responsible for developing and presenting the building’s code compliance approach to the Town of Amherst’s Building and Fire Departments. Working with architect Payette Associates, Code Red Consultants’ services included building, fire, accessibility and hazardous materials code consulting as well as performance-based design analysis of the atrium smoke control system using a computational fluid dynamics computer model.