LOCATION
Wichita, Kansas

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Due to significant enrollment increases in Newman University’s science, allied health, and nursing programs, a new building was designed to offer state-of-the-art classrooms, clinical learning and gross anatomy spaces, and chemistry, biology, and physics laboratories. The 73,000-square-foot Newman University Bishop Gerber Science Center is connected to the existing Eck Hall which now houses Newman’s nursing and allied health programs.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

• Modular, gas-fired, high-efficiency condensing boiler heats the building. The building is cooled by 45° F chilled water chilled by modular, electric, water-cooled heat recovery chillers.
• Architectural lighting was designed to be on display on the exterior cross and the exterior donor wall.
• General air handling units are draw-thru type with 30% efficient pre-filters and 85% efficient filters, outdoor air economizer, air blender, and heating and cooling coils.
• Building electrical systems were provided with a natural gas engine generator backup system.
• Laboratories were provided with chemical-resistant waste and vent systems separate from the general-use sanitary system. Lab gases consist of compressed air, vacuum, and natural gas. The lab gas system includes a complete piping system, central equipment, and user outlets.
• Clean water source for the laboratories is provided by packaged automatic water softeners, reverse osmosis, and deionizers with pre and final filters.
• A wet sprinkler system was provided throughout the facility. A glycol-filled sprinkler system was provided in areas subject to freezing.
• Telecommunications closets are centrally located and house backbone copper and fiber cabling from the MDF.
• Electronic security system provisions for this project include access control and video surveillance at selected areas, head-end equipment upgrades and/or consolidation, and integration with existing campus-wide access control and video management systems.

Photography credit: Kessler Photography