Bretschger Hall Renovations and Nanotechnology Addition

Buffalo Engineering provided mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection engineering design and construction administration services for renovations and an addition to Bretschger Hall to create labs and classrooms for ECC’s Center for Nanotechnology Studies Program.

The addition provided approximately 6,100 SF of new learning space including a clean room (Class 10000 – upgradable to Class 1000), an Automation/Programmable Logic Circuitry Lab, a Vacuum Systems Lab, smart classrooms, an office suite and student areas.

The project design included a 21-ton Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system providing primary heating, cooling and humidity control for the clean room space; a state-of-the-art energy recovery system to reduce heating and cooling costs and energy usage; networking capabilities through the Remote Access Instruments for Nanotechnology (RAIN) network to collaborate on training with students across the country; 36 solar panels on the curved roof area to provide clean power; and a rainwater recovery tank and pump system for exterior watering.

The project was funded with a $5.7 million grant, which included $3.1 million in building renovations, with the remaining funds allocated to equipment. The project received LEED Silver certification.