MEP/FP engineering for the renovation of historic New Cabell Hall supports 50 classrooms, 300 offices, meeting rooms, common spaces, and a café. The design includes new high-efficiency HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems developed through a project formulation study and LEED consultation, balancing performance goals with preservation of the building’s historic character.
2RW contributed to the Project Formulation Report, assessing the systems of the historic New Cabell Hall building to determine the viability and cost of renovation versus demolition and replacement. The study concluded that upgrading the existing building to current standards was the more economical and sustainable approach while preserving the building’s historic character.
2RW also provided LEED consultation services, analyzing and identifying system strategies to establish an efficient path to certification while aligning with the University’s goals for budget, design integrity, and sustainability.
The project includes sustainable MEP design for all new major HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems serving 50 classrooms, 300 offices, meeting rooms, common and social spaces, and a new café, carefully integrated to support modern performance while maintaining the integrity of the historic structure. Space for mechanical systems was extremely limited, requiring precise design and close coordination with the University’s Facilities team and the contractor. The design also accommodated a phased construction schedule to keep the building operational, with power, electrical, and plumbing updates carefully coordinated so that planned outages did not impact building occupants.
The facility meets the University’s sustainability mission by incorporating low-flow water fixtures, highly efficient lighting and HVAC systems, and water-reuse strategies, including rooftop rainwater harvesting and irrigation systems used to maintain courtyard landscaping. Occupant comfort is improved through energy-efficient environmental control and ventilation systems, while indoor air quality is enhanced with fully tempered and treated outside air. The project also delivers an enhanced learning environment with new high-efficiency lighting strategies and modern media upgrades, along with a 20% reduction in water use through low-flow faucets, urinals, and toilets.
Goody Clancy Architects
Robert Silman Associates
Barton Malow Builders
