Cornell University, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering Building

Olin Hall is a 130,000 sf building circa 1941. Vanderweil provided MEP/FP engineering and telecom services to study the phased renovation of this structure.

The pre-schematic design phase entailed collaboration with the architect during programming to passively minimize lab airflows and energy use, analyze the condition of the existing MEP/FP systems, and work closely with Cornell to develop a cost-effective phasing plan.

The project also incorporated energy conservation measures into the proposed design, which were based on extensive energy-modeling-informed and data-driven decisions. This achieved over 50% in energy savings relative to the existing conditions, and an 80% energy reduction relative to the I2SL benchmark to meet Cornell and AIA 2030 sustainability goals.

Post-study, Vanderweil completed an 11,000 sf renovation in the existing building to create a new lab wing. The existing building consisted of offices, and required infrastructure upgrades to accommodate laboratory systems. The project design incorporated an open ceiling concept due to the low floor-to-floor height. Neatly arranged and painted exposed engineering systems create functional and clean laboratory environments.