Code Red Consultants
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Experience: Service: Fire Protection & Life Safety Code Consulting

Wesleyan University New Science Building

The new Wesleyan University Science Center is a 5-story, 190,000 sf building featuring classrooms, wet and dry research labs, amenity spaces, and teaching labs.  The building’s atrium provides vertical connectivity between levels and allows for well-lit and visible interconnection between the various uses present.

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

Included in the code approach were several State Building and Fire Code Modifications related to:

  1. Sprinkler protected glass control area boundaries
  2. Plumbing fixture calculations
  3. Stair discharge through an atrium
  4. The storage of flammable liquids in a basement.

Location

Middletown, Conn.

Size

190,000 GSF
5 stories

Completion

Ongoing

Rending Credit

Payette

Wesleyan University New Science Building

The new Wesleyan University Science Center is a 5-story, 190,000 sf building featuring classrooms, wet and dry research labs, amenity spaces, and teaching labs.  The building’s atrium provides vertical connectivity between levels and allows for well-lit and visible interconnection between the various uses present.

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

Included in the code approach were several State Building and Fire Code Modifications related to:

  1. Sprinkler protected glass control area boundaries
  2. Plumbing fixture calculations
  3. Stair discharge through an atrium
  4. The storage of flammable liquids in a basement.

Boston College Conte Forum – North Entrance Renovation

Code Red Consultants teamed with Boston College and Suffolk Construction on the North Entrance renovation to the Conte Forum, home of the Men’s and Women’s Basketball and Hockey teams. The project included renovations to the Student Entrance, Power Gymnasium, Athletics Weight Rooms and Band rehearsal spaces. Code Red Consultants assisted Suffolk in the development of a comprehensive Fire Prevention Program to mitigate the risk fire during the renovations.  This was no small accomplishment given the fact that the Forum needed to remain occupied for Basketball and Hockey events, Commencement activities, and other large assembly events supporting the College. The project team sought approvals through the City of Boston Fire Department for phased turnover of the spaces, allowing the Power gym to be occupied in time for Basketball season.

Location

Boston, Mass.

Completion

2023

Boston College Conte Forum – North Entrance Renovation

Code Red Consultants teamed with Boston College and Suffolk Construction on the North Entrance renovation to the Conte Forum, home of the Men’s and Women’s Basketball and Hockey teams. The project included renovations to the Student Entrance, Power Gymnasium, Athletics Weight Rooms and Band rehearsal spaces. Code Red Consultants assisted Suffolk in the development of a comprehensive Fire Prevention Program to mitigate the risk fire during the renovations.  This was no small accomplishment given the fact that the Forum needed to remain occupied for Basketball and Hockey events, Commencement activities, and other large assembly events supporting the College. The project team sought approvals through the City of Boston Fire Department for phased turnover of the spaces, allowing the Power gym to be occupied in time for Basketball season.

Ox Ridge Elementary School

The new Ox Ridge Elementary School in Darien, CT opened fully this past spring of 2023. The building consists of 2-stories with an aggregate area of 109,000 sf, housing classrooms on all floors for students from Pre-K through 5th grade. The modernized design includes common learning areas throughout and features a large courtyard at the center of the building. It is located on the same site as the previous elementary school, and the construction consisted of multiple phases to allow for continued operation of the existing building during the process.

Code Red Consultants served as the code consultant throughout the design and construction phases of the project, working alongside the project’s architect, The S/L/A/M Collaborative. They developed code compliance strategies for both the existing and new buildings, ensuring compliance with the applicable codes was met throughout all construction phases. Code Red Consultants developed life safety plans for both buildings (new and existing), which detailed safeguards in place to ensure safe operation of the school throughout and following construction. Code Red Consultants also assisted in developing a modification request given the challenges the existing site presented.

Location

Darien, Conn.

Size

109,000 SF

Cost

$50 million

Completion

2023

Photography Credit

HDR

Ox Ridge Elementary School

The new Ox Ridge Elementary School in Darien, CT opened fully this past spring of 2023. The building consists of 2-stories with an aggregate area of 109,000 sf, housing classrooms on all floors for students from Pre-K through 5th grade. The modernized design includes common learning areas throughout and features a large courtyard at the center of the building. It is located on the same site as the previous elementary school, and the construction consisted of multiple phases to allow for continued operation of the existing building during the process.

Code Red Consultants served as the code consultant throughout the design and construction phases of the project, working alongside the project’s architect, The S/L/A/M Collaborative. They developed code compliance strategies for both the existing and new buildings, ensuring compliance with the applicable codes was met throughout all construction phases. Code Red Consultants developed life safety plans for both buildings (new and existing), which detailed safeguards in place to ensure safe operation of the school throughout and following construction. Code Red Consultants also assisted in developing a modification request given the challenges the existing site presented.

Innovation & Design Building Lab Repositioning

The historic Innovation and Design Building, located in Boston’s Seaport District, was originally constructed in 1918 and has served in many different capacities over the prior century. Today, the 8-story complex, a joint venture of Jamestown and Related Beal, consists of 1.4 million square feet across what are known as 17, 19, 21, 23, and 25 Drydock, each separated by a building separation.  The west end of the complex (the historic 17 and 19 Drydock) was combined to a single building and now comprises the Boston Design Center. As part of a recent project, a portion of the building underwent a lab repositioning, which included new base building infrastructure, first-floor chemical storage rooms, core and shell renovations on Floors 4 through 7, and new shaft construction.  Partially overlapping with the base building repositioning, eight tenant fit outs occurred on Floors 5 through 8 for new lab users. The design showrooms comprising the Boston Design Center were concentrated to the building’s first three floors.

On the design side, Code Red Consultants (CRC) worked with the base building architect, SGA, and with the fitout architects of many of the projects as the code consultant.  Key design features included the new building control area strategy planning and coordination for multi-tenant floors.

On the construction side, CRC worked with the base budling contractor, Wise, as well as the fitout contractors, Sterling, Columbia, and Lee Kennedy, to prepare the NFPA 241, Construction Fire Safety Plans, and provide periodic site walks in conjunction with the general contractors.

CRC served as the ongoing smoke control special inspector for the stair pressurization systems in the building, working to ensure the continued proper operation of the systems, including keeping them up and running during construction, and also by demonstrating passing test results prior to life safety testing.

Most critically, given the partially occupied nature of the building, the team was responsible for coordination across multiple trades and projects to ensure that a code compliant state of life safety systems was maintained throughout construction, culminating in successful testing with the City of Boston Building and Fire Departments at the time of Base Building turnover, which occurred while multiple fitout projects remained ongoing. Through coordination and planning, the building-wide approach captured the necessary condition of the fitout spaces during the fitout construction, while also appreciating the necessary level of protection afforded at the building-wide level and was fully documented in the building-wide Project Turnover Plan.

Location

Boston, Mass.

Size

250,000 SF

Completion

2022

Innovation & Design Building Lab Repositioning

The historic Innovation and Design Building, located in Boston’s Seaport District, was originally constructed in 1918 and has served in many different capacities over the prior century. Today, the 8-story complex, a joint venture of Jamestown and Related Beal, consists of 1.4 million square feet across what are known as 17, 19, 21, 23, and 25 Drydock, each separated by a building separation.  The west end of the complex (the historic 17 and 19 Drydock) was combined to a single building and now comprises the Boston Design Center. As part of a recent project, a portion of the building underwent a lab repositioning, which included new base building infrastructure, first-floor chemical storage rooms, core and shell renovations on Floors 4 through 7, and new shaft construction.  Partially overlapping with the base building repositioning, eight tenant fit outs occurred on Floors 5 through 8 for new lab users. The design showrooms comprising the Boston Design Center were concentrated to the building’s first three floors.

On the design side, Code Red Consultants (CRC) worked with the base building architect, SGA, and with the fitout architects of many of the projects as the code consultant.  Key design features included the new building control area strategy planning and coordination for multi-tenant floors.

On the construction side, CRC worked with the base budling contractor, Wise, as well as the fitout contractors, Sterling, Columbia, and Lee Kennedy, to prepare the NFPA 241, Construction Fire Safety Plans, and provide periodic site walks in conjunction with the general contractors.

CRC served as the ongoing smoke control special inspector for the stair pressurization systems in the building, working to ensure the continued proper operation of the systems, including keeping them up and running during construction, and also by demonstrating passing test results prior to life safety testing.

Most critically, given the partially occupied nature of the building, the team was responsible for coordination across multiple trades and projects to ensure that a code compliant state of life safety systems was maintained throughout construction, culminating in successful testing with the City of Boston Building and Fire Departments at the time of Base Building turnover, which occurred while multiple fitout projects remained ongoing. Through coordination and planning, the building-wide approach captured the necessary condition of the fitout spaces during the fitout construction, while also appreciating the necessary level of protection afforded at the building-wide level and was fully documented in the building-wide Project Turnover Plan.

Carnegie Mellon University Forbes Beeler Apartments

Forbes Beeler Apartments is a new dormitory at Carnegie Mellon University, scheduled to open in the fall of 2023. This highly anticipated four-story building spans an impressive 113,000 square feet, featuring 37 meticulously designed apartment units to accommodate 266 beds for upper-class students. One of the primary goals behind this dormitory’s development was to establish a comfortable residential environment for undergraduate students, while simultaneously enhancing the overall experience for the campus and the City of Pittsburgh.

The student residences are thoughtfully designed, organized into “pods” consisting of four and eight units, with a strategic setback from the street to ensure privacy. Noteworthy amenities offered within the building include a common lounge space on each floor, four dedicated study areas per floor, a well-equipped game room featuring a pool table and a ping pong table, a digital gaming room equipped with two large TVs for video game enthusiasts, a rejuvenation room, a spacious community area on the main floor, and an outdoor patio equipped with WIFI. In addition to residential living, the building also has an 8,000-square-foot market to support the grocery needs of the building occupants.

Code Red Consultants served as the code consultant throughout the design and construction phases of the project, collaborating closely with Goody Clancy to navigate the intricate code requirements associated with the dormitory.

Code Red Consultants was responsible for developing the comprehensive code compliance strategy for the project and reviewing the building plans at each stage of the design process. They actively engaged in ongoing discussions with the design team, offering insights and recommendations to ensure compliance with applicable codes. Additionally, Code Red Consultants developed the Life Safety Plans for the building, which play a crucial role in safeguarding the well-being of its occupants.

Code consulting services were extended throughout the construction administration phase of the project to offer valuable assistance regarding questions and design changes. Code Red Consultants remained actively involved, providing prompt guidance and solutions to the construction team. Their comprehensive understanding of the applicable codes allowed them to effectively navigate potential challenges and propose appropriate modifications when necessary.

Location

Pittsburgh, Penn.

Size

113,000 SF

Cost

$40 million

Completion

2023

Carnegie Mellon University Forbes Beeler Apartments

Forbes Beeler Apartments is a new dormitory at Carnegie Mellon University, scheduled to open in the fall of 2023. This highly anticipated four-story building spans an impressive 113,000 square feet, featuring 37 meticulously designed apartment units to accommodate 266 beds for upper-class students. One of the primary goals behind this dormitory’s development was to establish a comfortable residential environment for undergraduate students, while simultaneously enhancing the overall experience for the campus and the City of Pittsburgh.

The student residences are thoughtfully designed, organized into “pods” consisting of four and eight units, with a strategic setback from the street to ensure privacy. Noteworthy amenities offered within the building include a common lounge space on each floor, four dedicated study areas per floor, a well-equipped game room featuring a pool table and a ping pong table, a digital gaming room equipped with two large TVs for video game enthusiasts, a rejuvenation room, a spacious community area on the main floor, and an outdoor patio equipped with WIFI. In addition to residential living, the building also has an 8,000-square-foot market to support the grocery needs of the building occupants.

Code Red Consultants served as the code consultant throughout the design and construction phases of the project, collaborating closely with Goody Clancy to navigate the intricate code requirements associated with the dormitory.

Code Red Consultants was responsible for developing the comprehensive code compliance strategy for the project and reviewing the building plans at each stage of the design process. They actively engaged in ongoing discussions with the design team, offering insights and recommendations to ensure compliance with applicable codes. Additionally, Code Red Consultants developed the Life Safety Plans for the building, which play a crucial role in safeguarding the well-being of its occupants.

Code consulting services were extended throughout the construction administration phase of the project to offer valuable assistance regarding questions and design changes. Code Red Consultants remained actively involved, providing prompt guidance and solutions to the construction team. Their comprehensive understanding of the applicable codes allowed them to effectively navigate potential challenges and propose appropriate modifications when necessary.

Baystate Medical Center Heart and Vascular Fit-Out

Baystate Medical Center recently opened a new and expanded operating room unit within the Mass Mutual building on its main Springfield campus. The expanded unit includes 18 new operating rooms, 8 new interventional procedure rooms, new pre- and post-operative care units, as well as a new main lobby addition and waiting area that refreshes the hospital’s main entrance. Code Red Consultants served as the code consultant to Perkins + Will on the design side of the project, assisting P+W in navigating complex code requirements relating to the fit-out of the existing shell space and renovation of existing areas to both the Massachusetts State Building Code and NFPA 101, Life Safety Code. Code Red Consultants developed the overall code compliance approach for the project, conducted code reviews at each stage of design, participated in discussions with the design team regularly, and developed the Life Safety Plans for the hospital. After design, Code Red Consultants provided construction-related regulatory services directly to Baystate Health for generation of Interim Life Safety Measures and temporary Life Safety Plans to address potential non-compliant conditions due to construction work. Additionally, Code Red Consultants served as the Firestopping Special Inspector during construction, performing visual and destructive testing on through-penetrations, membrane penetration, joint, and perimeter fire barrier systems. Lastly, Code Red Consultants completed on-site inspections near the conclusion of construction to identify potential on-site deficiencies commonly cited by The Joint Commission and CMS. The new portions of the hospital opened in February 2023.

Location

Springfield, Mass.

Size

72,000 SF

Completion

2023

Photography Credit

Baystate Health

Baystate Medical Center Heart and Vascular Fit-Out

Baystate Medical Center recently opened a new and expanded operating room unit within the Mass Mutual building on its main Springfield campus. The expanded unit includes 18 new operating rooms, 8 new interventional procedure rooms, new pre- and post-operative care units, as well as a new main lobby addition and waiting area that refreshes the hospital’s main entrance. Code Red Consultants served as the code consultant to Perkins + Will on the design side of the project, assisting P+W in navigating complex code requirements relating to the fit-out of the existing shell space and renovation of existing areas to both the Massachusetts State Building Code and NFPA 101, Life Safety Code. Code Red Consultants developed the overall code compliance approach for the project, conducted code reviews at each stage of design, participated in discussions with the design team regularly, and developed the Life Safety Plans for the hospital. After design, Code Red Consultants provided construction-related regulatory services directly to Baystate Health for generation of Interim Life Safety Measures and temporary Life Safety Plans to address potential non-compliant conditions due to construction work. Additionally, Code Red Consultants served as the Firestopping Special Inspector during construction, performing visual and destructive testing on through-penetrations, membrane penetration, joint, and perimeter fire barrier systems. Lastly, Code Red Consultants completed on-site inspections near the conclusion of construction to identify potential on-site deficiencies commonly cited by The Joint Commission and CMS. The new portions of the hospital opened in February 2023.

21 Hickory Drive – Waltham, MA

21 Hickory Drive is a 6-story, high-rise Class-A life science research facility located in the heart of Waltham. The original office building has recently undergone an extensive conversion project led by Phase 3 Real Estate Partners. The upgrades include the installation of a new MEP system infrastructure, a service elevator and a backup generator. Additionally, the office and amenity program has been updated to offer small to mid-size lab/office suites ranging from 9,000-25,000 RSF. As part of Phase 3’s GENESIS spec program, the newly renovated building provides customizable, move in-ready lab spaces, allowing prospective tenants to quickly establish their scientific operations and expand over time.

Code Red Consultants served as the project’s fire protection and life safety code consultant and continued to provide support to Phase 3 throughout construction by preparing NFPA 241 Fire Prevention Programs, performing third-party firestopping special inspections, and re-commissioning the building’s existing smoke control systems (consisting of pressurized stair enclosures, a ventilated vestibule, and elevator pressurization). To help meet project schedule and facilitate early tenant fitout construction and move in dates, Code Red Consultants prepared a Phased Occupancy and Turnover Plan and presented the phased approach to the City of Waltham Fire and Building Departments.

Location

Waltham, Mass.

Size

120,000 GSF

Cost

$30 million

Completion

2022

Photography Credit

Phase 3 Real Estate

21 Hickory Drive – Waltham, MA

21 Hickory Drive is a 6-story, high-rise Class-A life science research facility located in the heart of Waltham. The original office building has recently undergone an extensive conversion project led by Phase 3 Real Estate Partners. The upgrades include the installation of a new MEP system infrastructure, a service elevator and a backup generator. Additionally, the office and amenity program has been updated to offer small to mid-size lab/office suites ranging from 9,000-25,000 RSF. As part of Phase 3’s GENESIS spec program, the newly renovated building provides customizable, move in-ready lab spaces, allowing prospective tenants to quickly establish their scientific operations and expand over time.

Code Red Consultants served as the project’s fire protection and life safety code consultant and continued to provide support to Phase 3 throughout construction by preparing NFPA 241 Fire Prevention Programs, performing third-party firestopping special inspections, and re-commissioning the building’s existing smoke control systems (consisting of pressurized stair enclosures, a ventilated vestibule, and elevator pressurization). To help meet project schedule and facilitate early tenant fitout construction and move in dates, Code Red Consultants prepared a Phased Occupancy and Turnover Plan and presented the phased approach to the City of Waltham Fire and Building Departments.

University of Houston John M. O’Quinn Law Building

The University of Houston offers its students a leading interdisciplinary legal education program that is ranked one of the best in the country. This program has been accentuated through the construction of a new 5-story, 178,600 sf Law Center designed and led by Shepley Bulfinch. Named after the prominent Texas Trial Lawyer, the John M. O’Quinn Law building includes instructional spaces, advocacy skills labs, student areas, courtroom and event facilities, faculty and administration offices, student services, legal clinics, and a law library. In addition, the building also features a series of multi-story floor openings and stairways to enhance the communication amongst all floors in the building.

Code Red Consultants was responsible for developing and presenting the building’s code compliance approach to the University of Houston’s Fire Marshal’s Office. Code Red Consultants’ provided building, fire, and accessibility code consulting to ensure compliance with the University’s Fire and Life Safety code while meeting the design teams goals of providing a modern, student-focused environment. Most notably, Code Red Consultants’ assisted the design team in developing a unique code approach for a series of unenclosed vertical openings including several double height spaces as well as a 2- and 3-story communicating stairway.

Location

Houston, TX

Size

178,600 SF

Cost

$93 million

Completion

2022

Photography Credit

Dror Baldinger, FAIA
Architectural Photography

University of Houston John M. O’Quinn Law Building

The University of Houston offers its students a leading interdisciplinary legal education program that is ranked one of the best in the country. This program has been accentuated through the construction of a new 5-story, 178,600 sf Law Center designed and led by Shepley Bulfinch. Named after the prominent Texas Trial Lawyer, the John M. O’Quinn Law building includes instructional spaces, advocacy skills labs, student areas, courtroom and event facilities, faculty and administration offices, student services, legal clinics, and a law library. In addition, the building also features a series of multi-story floor openings and stairways to enhance the communication amongst all floors in the building.

Code Red Consultants was responsible for developing and presenting the building’s code compliance approach to the University of Houston’s Fire Marshal’s Office. Code Red Consultants’ provided building, fire, and accessibility code consulting to ensure compliance with the University’s Fire and Life Safety code while meeting the design teams goals of providing a modern, student-focused environment. Most notably, Code Red Consultants’ assisted the design team in developing a unique code approach for a series of unenclosed vertical openings including several double height spaces as well as a 2- and 3-story communicating stairway.

The Bon, Boston, MA

The Bon on Boylston Street in Boston, MA is a newly constructed residential high-rise building with ground floor retail and space for a future black box theater. The project was part of the BPDA’s Compact Living pilot program, providing residents with efficient living units and large amenity areas for socializing and living.

For the design phase of the project, Code Red Consultants served as the project’s code consultant to Gensler, to provide Fire Protection, Life Safety and Accessibility Consulting Services.  Our involvement included discussions with the City of Boston and securing state variances.

During the construction, Code Red Consultants, in collaboration with SCAPE USA and Suffolk Construction, developed a NFPA 241 Construction Fire Safety Plan, provided turnover services, and served as the smoke control special inspector.

Location

Boston, Mass.

Size

16,000 SF

Completion

2022

Rendering Credit

Gensler

The Bon, Boston, MA

The Bon on Boylston Street in Boston, MA is a newly constructed residential high-rise building with ground floor retail and space for a future black box theater. The project was part of the BPDA’s Compact Living pilot program, providing residents with efficient living units and large amenity areas for socializing and living.

For the design phase of the project, Code Red Consultants served as the project’s code consultant to Gensler, to provide Fire Protection, Life Safety and Accessibility Consulting Services.  Our involvement included discussions with the City of Boston and securing state variances.

During the construction, Code Red Consultants, in collaboration with SCAPE USA and Suffolk Construction, developed a NFPA 241 Construction Fire Safety Plan, provided turnover services, and served as the smoke control special inspector.

Sacred Heart University Martire Family Arena

The Martire Family Arena is the new premier hockey and skating arena at Sacred Heart University. The 3,600-seat facility houses both the men’s and women’s NCAA Division I hockey programs, the University’s nationally ranked figure skating team and men’s and women’s club ice hockey teams. The new arena also serves as a classroom for SHU students pursuing studies in the areas of sports communication & media, sport management, and others. Other building features include a eight rows of premium seating, youth activities on the concourse, suite and club levels for hosting events and corporate outings, a Pro Shop for Pioneer fan gear, equipment, and skate sharpening, and a 180-degree view overlooking Merritt Parkway through a state-of-the-art smart-glass wall system.

In close collaboration with JLG Architects and the SLAM Collaborative, Code Red Consultants worked as the code consultant on the project, assisting the design team in navigating complex code requirements relating to means of egress and the interconnection to the existing West Campus Building. Code Red Consultants also assisted with securing state code modifications relative to the number of plumbing fixtures and omitting fire proofing in the roof. The effort included creating a computational fluid dynamics analysis to evaluate severe case fire scenarios within the arena to determine the temperature and radiant heat flux to which the steel trusses would be exposed.

The following links highlight the new arena:

The Martire Family Arena – Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey Walkthrough

Sacred Heart University College Hockey Gameday

 

Location

Fairfield, Conn.

Size

122,580 GSF

Cost

$70 million

Completion

2023

Photography Credit

JLG Architects
The SLAM Collaborative

Sacred Heart University Martire Family Arena

The Martire Family Arena is the new premier hockey and skating arena at Sacred Heart University. The 3,600-seat facility houses both the men’s and women’s NCAA Division I hockey programs, the University’s nationally ranked figure skating team and men’s and women’s club ice hockey teams. The new arena also serves as a classroom for SHU students pursuing studies in the areas of sports communication & media, sport management, and others. Other building features include a eight rows of premium seating, youth activities on the concourse, suite and club levels for hosting events and corporate outings, a Pro Shop for Pioneer fan gear, equipment, and skate sharpening, and a 180-degree view overlooking Merritt Parkway through a state-of-the-art smart-glass wall system.

In close collaboration with JLG Architects and the SLAM Collaborative, Code Red Consultants worked as the code consultant on the project, assisting the design team in navigating complex code requirements relating to means of egress and the interconnection to the existing West Campus Building. Code Red Consultants also assisted with securing state code modifications relative to the number of plumbing fixtures and omitting fire proofing in the roof. The effort included creating a computational fluid dynamics analysis to evaluate severe case fire scenarios within the arena to determine the temperature and radiant heat flux to which the steel trusses would be exposed.

The following links highlight the new arena:

The Martire Family Arena – Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey Walkthrough

Sacred Heart University College Hockey Gameday