2RW provided sustainable MEP engineering design and construction administration services for the comprehensive renovation of the historic physics building and the 1980s addition. The renewal was completed through a phased/occupied construction process to maintain partial functional use of spaces throughout the renovation.

The facility features active-learning classrooms with integrated laboratory and wet-laboratory spaces. Additional areas include teaching labs, a café, fabrication spaces, shop support spaces, a study area, offices, and conference spaces.

To preserve valuable program space for teaching and research activities, major air-handling units were strategically located in the east and west attic spaces. Integrating the equipment required careful coordination around the sloped roof, roof hips, and structural framing while maintaining equipment accessibility, service clearances, and adequate lighting for maintenance.

To provide flexibility for the fabrication of experiments, snorkel exhausts were incorporated into the lab spaces to remove contaminants from the air. Separate dedicated outdoor air units and exhaust air units with dual run-around loops to eliminate cross-contamination and provide energy recovery. The new system also maintains extremely stable temperature and humidity conditions in the lab spaces, critical for research and experiments.

The comprehensive replacement of electrical systems includes a generator, switchgear, a transformer, and IT wiring. The design includes a new building automation system (BAS) with digital controls connected to the central campus BAS.