University of Virginia Physics

Location

Charlottesville, VA

General Contractor

Jamerson-Lewis Construction

Size

107,000 sq. ft.

Photo Credit | X

Scope

Our team completed an extensive renovation project for the UVA Physics Building, a 107,000-square-foot facility serving as a vital hub for classrooms, labs, and research spaces. The renovation aimed to modernize the building’s systems and bring the labs up to date with state-of-the-art technology, ensuring reliable functionality for the university’s expanding research and teaching needs. The building, which consists of four main floors plus a partially converted attic space, required a phased renovation approach due to its active use throughout the project.

Flexible Power Solutions with Bus Duct

One unique aspect of the renovation was the installation of bus ducts throughout the labs. These bus ducts, which run through the ceilings in straight, T, or L configurations, allow for flexible power connections. This setup is critical for UVA’s high-tech lab equipment, enabling the university to easily move or reconfigure equipment as research needs evolve. With plug-in units for varied amperage and connection types, the bus ducts give the building’s electrical system flexibility and adaptability.

Managing Active Phases and System Integration

The renovation included significant challenges with phasing, as each phase required portions of the building to remain operational. Systems like lighting and fire alarms needed to be functional at nearly full capacity for occupied areas, even as we worked to extend and integrate these new systems with existing infrastructure. Our team, alongside Hudson Payne for fire alarm integration, skillfully managed this complex interplay, ensuring safety and functionality during each transition.

Project Completion and Final Transformation

By the project’s end, we transformed the UVA Physics Building into a fully modernized facility. Our team’s dedication to phased logistics and adaptive problem-solving allowed us to meet UVA’s high standards, resulting in a safe, efficient, and future-ready space for cutting-edge scientific exploration.

Phased Approach and Project Expansion

Initially, the project was planned in three phases, but complexities in scope led to additional phases, breaking Phase 1 into 1A and 1B. This adjustment allowed us to address unforeseen challenges and ensure comprehensive updates were made in every section. The scope included a complete remodel of the electrical service, installation of a new generator, and extensive upgrades to the power infrastructure. Essentially, the entire building was overhauled electrically, with new systems to support the cutting-edge needs of UVA's labs.

Advanced Lighting and Sustainability Integration

For lighting, we integrated advanced controls from Acuity, including daylight harvesting, dimming, and occupancy sensors, to enhance energy efficiency. The building achieved LEED certification, aligning with UVA’s sustainability goals. In line with the high-tech overhaul, all lighting controls and sensors were calibrated to provide optimal light management across classrooms, labs, and common areas.

Overcoming Power Distribution Challenges

Another logistical challenge involved updating the building’s power distribution while keeping essential services uninterrupted. We tackled this by carefully intercepting and rerouting branch circuits from older panels. Temporary power feeds were strategically installed to support ongoing activities as we replaced main panels and overhauled circuits floor by floor. This required precise coordination and on-the-spot problem-solving by our superintendent to maintain service continuity while progressing with the renovation.

University of Virginia Edgar Shannon Library

Location

Charlottesville, VA

General Contractor

Skanska

Size

223,000 sq. ft.

Photo Credit | X

Scope

Design Electric Inc. played a pivotal role in the complete renovation of UVA’s Shannon Library. Our responsibilities encompassed the installation of all power and lighting systems, battery banks for emergency power inverters, and advanced lighting controls. Additionally, we managed the medium voltage scope, including the duct banks for site work, connecting and extending the existing duct bank. Our specific duties focused on cabling and terminations, with an excavation contractor assisting in creating the duct bank, raceway, and manholes.

Unique Installation

A key challenge was the courtyard area, featuring a large skylight. We installed lighting on the skylight before it was erected, coordinating the process to ensure all cabling remained hidden. The setup included 12-16 small canister spotlights and perimeter lighting, creating an indoor space with an outdoor feel. The distinction between the new addition and the original structure is marked by the beautiful woodwork in the old section.

Communication

Our deep understanding of the electrical scope enabled clear communication with project stakeholders, especially when adapting to changes in the project flow. This proactive approach helped save costs and improve overall efficiency.

Technology

To accommodate evolving project needs, we equipped our team with an "office in a box," providing real-time access to project drawings on a large flat-screen TV, along with consistent Wi-Fi and printer access. iPads enabled our team to navigate the job site with live drawings and email, enhancing communication and cohesion. The use of a Trimble unit further increased efficiency by allowing precise layout work, reducing the time spent measuring.

Historical Preservation and Lighting

The project included the careful refurbishment of historical lighting fixtures. UVA employed a lighting designer to inventory and photograph the fixtures, working closely with a specialist for the actual refurbishment. Notable pieces, such as the wagon wheel fixtures in Memorial Hall, were either restored or newly created from prototypes, blending historic and new elements. We also installed floor boxes and specialty lighting, including sensor-activated bookcase lights, ensuring discreet installation.

Safety

Throughout the project, we maintained a strong safety record, with over 107,300 hours worked without incidents. Prefabricating conduit racks in our warehouse allowed for assembly in a controlled environment, reducing time spent on ladders and lifts and minimizing safety risks.

Schedule

The project faced a significant challenge when bedrock was encountered at the new addition site, causing an eight-month delay. Despite this, we met the construction schedule by adjusting manpower as needed. Our Superintendents played a key role in managing the workforce, ensuring the right crew size was maintained throughout the project to avoid early exhaustion of resources.

Innovation

Innovative techniques allowed us to maximize efficiency. We prefabricated a significant portion of the conduit racks in 10’ sections, using a gripple system that enabled a single team member to install entire racks. These sections were strategically labeled and delivered to the site, streamlining the installation process and allowing for a smaller crew size.

Mentorship

We are committed to fostering the next generation of skilled workers. Our Mentorship Director ensured apprentices were paired with experienced mentors and exposed to a variety of tasks. On this project, we also provided specialized training on Spool Drawings, essential for accurate installations and minimizing material waste. This commitment to mentorship helps us maintain our legacy of project excellence.

University of Virginia Data Science

Location

Charlottesville, VA

General Contractor

Gilbane

Size

60261 sq. st.

Photo Credit | Tyler Smith, PM Design Electric Inc. 

Note | SoSo Limited & Hypersonic designed and installed the Data Sculpture

Overview

The University of Virginia’s School of Data Science constructed a dedicated building for the University’s newly formed school. This ground-up project featured 4 floors + MEP Penthouse of space for classrooms, offices, working areas, and gathering spaces for students and educators. Items of interest include: Capital One HUB featuring a 2-story video screen, Custom “Data Sculpture” in 2-story atrium, Open Hardware Lab for student research, Custom lighting package for interior and exterior lighting, Exterior patio and stepped pond with custom accent lighting, Smoke exhaust fan system integrated with FA package, ~500 LF feed generator tie-in under formed creek.

Goals

The purpose of the building is to provide a collaborative space for new UVA Data Science students to work and learn. The design team’s motto for the project was “A school without walls” as envisioned by the director of the Data Science Institute Phil Bourne. The building is to be open for all UVA students and community alike. With students enrolled in summer courses, the overall project goal was to have the building ready and accessible for the public for summer sessions.

Project Scope

Design held the electrical and fire alarm package for the building, including office space for 100+ staff, conference spaces, student work areas, classroom space for 340 students, collaboration areas, and other areas supporting the facility. The scope also included integration of an existing generator with (3) ATS devices and a robust smoke exhaust system. Completion of the building for summer students required coordination and creativity from the field team to achieve the desired goals. Design’s input was critical to achieving a complete system on the timeline requested.

Project Outcomes

Getting the School of Data science building constructed on the project timeline to achieve an open building for the public required significant planning and manpower. Design was able to achieve scheduled completion through planning of prioritized items to maintain critical path. Combining the assistance on design process, resource planning, and a robust working crew, Design was able to move past significant barriers that threatened the project schedule. DEI’s resource capacity allowed us to be successful with critical path completion.

University of Virginia Chemistry & Gilmer

Location

Charlottesville, VA

General Contractor

Whiting Turner

Size

175,376 sq. ft.

Photo Credit | Perkins & Will Photography 

Overview

Design Electric undertook a comprehensive service upgrade for the Chemistry and Gilmer Hall buildings, spanning six years. This project involved upgrading the electrical systems across both buildings—each with four floors and a top-floor mechanical room. The challenge was to ensure that the buildings remained fully operational while integrating the new electrical services. Careful planning and precise execution were crucial, as the buildings were fully occupied, and only specific sections could be handed over for upgrades at a time. The project focused on modernizing the electrical systems in the laboratories, aligning them with the latest research requirements.

Quality Control

Design Electric’s quality control manager played a pivotal role in ensuring the accuracy of the work. He meticulously double-checked drawings, particularly for the complex lighting systems and controls. His attention to detail ensured that everything functioned correctly before the lighting controls representative was brought on-site.

Project Scheduling

Thorough planning and detailed scheduling were essential to the project’s success. The team had to carefully map out each phase of the work, ensuring that every step was well-thought-out and executed without impacting the building’s operations.

Project Goals

The primary objective was to bring the electrical services and laboratories up to the latest standards, supporting cutting-edge research and allowing for future growth. Working in a live environment posed unique challenges, requiring Design Electric to anticipate and address unforeseen issues while maintaining the building’s operational integrity.

Collaboration

The key goals were to complete the project on time and within budget. Design Electric’s commitment to collaboration ensured a successful partnership, underpinned by a strong working relationship.

Safety Protocols

Safety was crucial, particularly because the building needed to remain fully operational. Working on live electrical systems required meticulous scheduling and coordination with the University, especially during ongoing classes or critical experiments that could not be disrupted.