Oregon State Unviersity Burt Hall II

Reconstruction

Burt Hall is a 1960s-era laboratory building at Oregon State University home to the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences. After a fire in late 2018, the University retained Systems West Engineers to provide commissioning services for the renovation of Burt Hall II. It was imperative that the building operated seamlessly, and lab spaces were improved. This meant working with contained spectrometers, microscopes, and instrumentation, as well as dry labs and a small wet lab – nothing SWE hadn’t seen before.

Modernization

Work in Burt Hall II included replacing research facilities and offices damaged by smoke, water, or heat from the fire and upgrading to comply with modern building codes. Our familiarity with OSU facilities, extensive lab experience, and commissioning philosophy positioned us as the right-fit team for the project. Our commissioning team is well known for their vigilance and tenacity, as well as for creating a foundation for success by contributing to concepts early on. This planned, efficient strategy creates momentum and goes beyond post-occupancy to ensure the best possible building performance for the Owner.

Getting Our Beavers in a Row

Though this renovation involved typical commissioning practices, we always walk away with valuable lessons even on seemingly straightforward projects. It was discovered that several existing systems, not directly impacted by the fire, needed replacement to prevent issues for the University in the long run. Exhaust systems experienced issues such as leaking valves and loose plates that prohibited testing. Another prime example of why cooperation and open communication with the mechanical contractor are essential for any given project.

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