Executive Summary
The McCormick & Company headquarters building is a seven story core & shell renovation project located in Hunt Valley, Maryland. The project consists of the selective demolition of an existing office building structure as well as the addition of a one story learning development center and dining commons space. In total the project is approximately 362,000 square feet with a construction cost just below $64 million. The senior thesis capstone project leverages knowledge gained over the past four years within the Architectural Engineering program to complete four primary analysis topics which could potentially improve the building and construction methods currently in place. In conjunction with the four analysis topics which display a depth of knowledge in construction, two breadth analyses were also completed to demonstrate an understanding of the other disciplines within the AE program. The following document summarizes the approach taken when pursuing these analyses as well as the results established.
Analysis 1: Mechanical Plant Redesign
The current building design has called for a selective demolition of the mechanical and electrical outbuilding which leaves existing partitions and structure. The project team has expressed that this design has caused delays and cost overruns due to unforeseen existing conditions. This analysis investigates the advantages of a complete demolition in this location for a redesign of the mechanical and electrical rooms. Ultimately, new construction of the space resulted in an estimated cost savings of over $99,000 as well as a schedule reduction of 33 days. In addition to the construction analysis on this topic, a breadth analysis was executed to redesign the interior steel structure of a portion of this space. This breadth analysis helped to improve the accuracy of a new construction estimate.
Analysis 2: Geothermal HVAC
As a project pursuing LEED Platinum rating, it is clear that sustainability is extremely important to the Owner and future Tenant. The implementation of a geothermal system to provide heating and cooling for the building could significantly increase the sustainability of this building while reducing energy costs associated with the building’s HVAC systems. For this analysis the benefits of a system which supports the full building load as well as a partial load were investigated to determine which approach is most effective. Taking into account both up front and life-cycle costs it was determined that a full load system would not be feasible while a split system approach could potentially be utilized. Further analysis with a greater focus on the mechanical aspects of the system is necessary to ensure the feasibility of implementing a split geothermal system.
Analysis 3: Alternate Façade
The terra cotta and wood panels are both high quality façade components which require significant lead times for procurement. This analysis proposed the use of similar materials which are sourced closer the project as a replacement for the current materials. For the terra cotta system, three major substitutes were posed. One of which can provide a significant reduction of installation time, another which is sourced locally, and a third which offers a product of similar quality yet a reduced price. An alternate system for the wood veneer paneling was also posed which offers considerable cost and schedule savings but also sacrifices quality. Ultimately it is suggested that an alternate Terreal terra cotta façade be utilized to provide installation and procurement savings. The proposed wood paneling substitute does provide significant cost and procurement savings but further approval for quality by the Owner is necessary.
Analysis 4: Industrial Construction Safety Practices
The final proposed analysis focused on improving the safety practices of both this particular project and the commercial construction market as a whole. The industrial construction market has proven time and again over the past decades that their safety culture and protocols are more effective than those of the commercial construction industry. The suggestions for change are made based on a review of current safety programs at industrial construction firms as well as interviews with safety personnel within these companies. These changes focus primarily on providing laborers with a leadership role in on-site safety through various initiatives.