AUGUST 7, 2012--Merging the building industry’s latest technology with one of the most famous stories in American history, Suffolk Construction recently completed construction of the new $27 million Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum in time for its grand opening ceremony.
Suffolk leveraged its “build smart” approach and state-of-the-art technologies to meet numerous challenges on this 18,700-sf project. One of the most significant challenges was finding a way to house the extensive mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems in the unusually tight confines of the museum’s attic space. To address this challenge, Suffolk implemented virtual models and BIM early in the planning process to re-work the layout of the MEP systems to ensure they would fit in the allotted space. This innovative solution allowed the team to prefabricate much of the MEP components off site, allowing for a more efficient installation on this very tight building site.
The two-story Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, designed by Margulies Perruzzi Architects, sits on a floating barge with a Tavern/Tea Room on the top floor. The barge is surrounded by two historic replica ships, with a third ship expected to be added in 2014. The adjacent pier building contains a retail store, meeting rooms and offices. +
Related Stories
| Jan 16, 2012
Suffolk completes construction on progressive operating suite
5,700 square-foot operating suite to be test bed for next generation of imaged-guided operating techniques.
| Jan 15, 2012
Hollister Construction Services oversees interior office fit-out for Harding Loevner
The work includes constructing open space areas, new conference, trading and training rooms, along with multiple kitchenettes.
| Jan 15, 2012
Smith Consulting Architects designs Flower Hill Promenade expansion in Del Mar, Calif.
The $22 million expansion includes a 75,000-square-foot, two-story retail/office building and a 397-car parking structure, along with parking and circulation improvements and new landscaping throughout.
| Jan 15, 2012
535 Madison Avenue achieves LEED Gold certification
Class-A commercial building meets sustainability requirements of LEED Program.
| Jan 12, 2012
CSHQA receives AIA Northwest & Pacific Region Merit Award for Idaho State Capitol restoration
After a century of service, use, and countless modifications which eroded the historical character of the building and grounds, the restoration brought the 200,000-sf building back to its former grandeur by restoring historical elements, preserving existing materials, and rehabilitating spaces for contemporary uses.
| Jan 12, 2012
Stellar earns construction industry's most prestigious safety award
Now widely accepted as the construction industry's standard measure of safety performance, the STEP awards were established in 1989 to evaluate and improve safety practices and recognize outstanding safety efforts.
| Jan 12, 2012
Building independence: New take on female power
Memoir explores historic engineering project, women's empowerment era.
| Jan 12, 2012
3M takes part in Better Buildings Challenge
As a partner in the challenge, 3M has committed to reduce energy use by 25% in 78 of its plants, encompassing nearly 38 million-sf of building space.
| Jan 11, 2012
DOE announces guide for 50% more energy efficient retail buildings
The 50% AEDG series provides a practical approach for designers and builders of retail stores, and other major commercial building types, to achieve 50% energy savings compared to the building energy code used in many parts of the nation.
| Jan 11, 2012
Mortenson starts construction of Rim Rock Wind Project
Renewable energy contractor to build 189-megawatt wind project in Sunburst, Mont.
