TCU Mary Couts Burnett Library

Fort Worth, TX

Expertise

  • Education

Services

  • electrical engineering
  • mechanical / plumbing engineering

Size

  • 44,500 SF

BHB provided MEP design for limited renovation of the Mary Couts Burnett Library and a new addition. The project consisted of 44,500 SF of renovated and new space.  

The renovation encompassed all three library floors and included new roofs, floors, walls, mechanical and electrical equipment, furnishings and seating for students, progressive teaching space, a technology learning center, and program space for new features. The special collections space was also redesigned.

In addition, a pedestrian air bridge will be built on the second story to connect the library and Rees-Jones Hall. The remainder of the existing library was occupied during construction. Existing mechanical equipment was beyond its life expectancy and was replaced with new variable air volume (VAV) air handling units (AHUs) in renovated and new areas.

One of the project’s major challenges was meeting ceiling height expectations while working in the existing library. The team provided multiple duct chases to reduce the duct main sizes on various floors. Extensive coordination occurred between the design team, TCU and contractors to allow for the building’s chilled water system to remain operational during construction of a new chilled water distribution system, which included enlarging the existing chilled water mains.

New electric service was required for the addition and renovation. BHB worked closely with the general contractor and TCU to confirm that power switchover would occur during unoccupied hours of operation. These efforts enabled the library to remain accessible to both students and faculty throughout construction. The MEP design included low utility usage and a lighting control system with automatic daylight harvesting controls for additional energy savings. 

Key People

  • Craig Gregory, PE

  • Ian Bost, PE, LEED AP