University Of Minnesota Duluth Swenson Civil Engineering Building by Ross-Barney Architects

The University of Minnesota Duluth has instituted a new Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering (BSCE). The new building, completed in 2010, provides approximately 35,300 gross square feet to house classrooms, instructional and research laboratories, and office space for the Civil Engineering Department. The new building builds on and reinforces the existing circulation patterns that are part of the UMD campus.

UMD Civil Engineering Building

• Design Architect/Interior Design: Ross-Barney Architects, Chicago IL
• Project lead designer: Carol Ross Barney, FAIA
• Architect of Record: SJA Architects, Duluth, MN
• Landscape Architect: oslund.and.assoc., Minneapolis MN
• Civil engineer: MSA Professional Services, Duluth MN
• Structural Engineer: MBJ Inc. Duluth MN
• Mechanical, Electrical Engineer: Dunham, Minneapolis, MN
• Commissioning Agent: Hallberg Engineering
• General Contractor: Stahl Construction
• Photographer: Kate Joyce Studios

UMD Civil Engineering Building

The new Science and Engineering Building is LEED Gold Certified. A healthy environment for the occupants was achieved by integrating sustainable strategies that are part of the LEED rating system for new construction. These include: increased ventilation, use of low-emitting construction materials, advanced lighting control, advanced thermal comfort control, access to daylight and views for occupied spaces, and the use of an under-floor air distribution system. Native plantings and rain gardens dot the east and west elevations. A green roof with native plant materials helps to reduce storm runoff, cool the building, reduce noise, and reduce glare from surrounding buildings.

UMD Civil Engineering Building

The Hydrology Lab and Structural Lab are two story areas that require ceiling heights of 25+ feet and are located on the ground level. Classrooms and faculty offices are located on the second level. The new Swenson building connects the to the existing Voss Kovach Hall adjacent to the main entrance of the older structure. The Link -a one story glazed corridor facing the Library- provides an additional connection between the old and new buildings.

UMD Civil Engineering Building

The design of the new Civil Engineering Building highlights construction and site systems related to the field of study. These include oversized scuppers that channel storm water from the roof to the trio the monumental French drain, two 20 ton gantry cranes located within the Structural Lab and Hydrology Lab, and a precast concrete Structural Lab with installation materials left in place for learning.

UMD Civil Engineering Building

Using exterior materials that are consistent with other existing campus buildings and using locally available materials from excavation and mining in the area, the building maintains a connection to the campus and to the regional economy.

More Credits

• Cast-in-Place Concrete and flatwork: Kelleher Construction
• Precast Conc. Wall Panels: Hanson Structural Precast
• Precast Floor Plank: Hanson Structural Precast
• Concrete Floor polishing: Terrazzo & Concrete Restoration
• Masonry: Harbor City Masonry
• Burnished Masonry Units: Premier Block Ultra
• Structural Steel: Duluth Steel Fabrication
• Structural Steel Erection: Red Cedar Steel Erectors
• Miscellaneous Steel and Railings: Duluth Steel Fabrication
• Gantry Cranes: Kone Cranes
• Thermoplastic Roofing and Green Roof: Peterson Bros Roofing
• Hot Applied Membrane Waterproofing: Kremer and Davis
• Light tubes: Solartube International, Inc by Daylight Designs Curtainwall and entrances: St. Germains Glass
• Reclaimed Cyprus Scuppers: Tekton Construction
• Wood doors and hardware: Sell Hardware
• Exterior Bi-Fold Door: Wilson Doors Inc.
• Operable walls: Hufcor
• Raised Floor System: TecCrete
• Cabinetwork: St. Germains Cabinets
• Recycled Concrete Counters: IceStone
• Wood casework: Dakota Burl veneer
• Carpet Tiles: Shaw Prisma Tiles
• Floor and Wall Tile: DalTile
• Corten Steel panels
• Interior and Exterior, including Rain Screen construction: Jamar Companies
• Corten Pedestrian Bridge: Anderson Iron
• Temperature Controls: Siemens Building Technologies
• Plumbing Contractor: Shannon’s Mechanical
• Mechanical Systems and Displacement Ventilation: Shannon’s Mechanical
• Fire Suppression: A.G.O’Brien Co.
• Electrical Contractor and daylighting controls: API Electric Co.
• Site work: Veit & Company
• Taconite Stone and Gabions: Veit & Company Modular Gabion Systems
• Site and Roof Plantings: Boreal Natives
• Corten water retention basins: Jamar Companies

UMD Civil Engineering Building

UMD Civil Engineering Building

UMD Civil Engineering Building

UMD Civil Engineering Building

Tags: Duluth, Minnesota

Categories: Educational and Business Center, University Building

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