Courtesy
of STH Architectural Group |
Florida
Institute of Technology F.W. Olin Physical Science Center/Melbourne,
Florida
Design-Build Team:
Architect
STH Architectural Group/West Palm Beach, Florida
Contractor
Weitz Florida/West Palm Beach, Florida
Owner
Florida Institute of Technology Board of Trustees/Melbourne,
Florida
Size/Cost
70,000 sf/$14 million
TLC Services
MEP
As
home to the chemistry, physics and space sciences departments,
FIT’s F.W. Olin Physical Sciences Center has classrooms,
offices, research labs, a high-bay research area, an observatory
dome with high-powered telescope, and a rooftop deck that
can accommodate up to 15 additional telescopes. The building
has three complete floors and a partial fourth floor featuring
a lobby and entrance area to the observatory. The laboratories
are served by a variable volume 100% outside air system
with 100% exhaust, so air is drawn into and exhausted
from the spaces as needed. Other specialty lab systems
and equipment include fume hoods with VAV fume exhaust;
a central lab vacuum; a central nitrogen system; natural
gas; gas-fired hydronic hot-water reheat; and purified
water. If meeting the needs of the different types of
labs posed one challenge, the presence of the rooftop
telescope posed another: vibration from the mechanical
equipment. TLC mechanical engineers worked closely with
the structural consultant to minimize vibrations that
might harm the telescope. |
