Rochester MA – The town of Rochester required an expansion to their existing elementary school to accommodate a larger student population. The $26.5 million Rochester Memorial School Project addressed this need.
To accommodate a compressed schedule, the Rochester Building Committee looked at different options and investigated the use of pre-cast panel construction as a possibility. This option would allow the utilization of the addition as swing space during renovation of the main building while constructing a very efficient, durable structure.
The team of PMA Construction Services (OPM), Flansburgh Architects (designer) and Gilbane (Construction Manager) developed and implemented a plan that allowed the addition to be designed, procured, expeditiously erected, and then fit-out for school use.
In order to minimize the institutional pre-cast “look”, Rochester approved use of brick infill with concrete banding that was cast into each panel at the manufacturer (JP Carrerra).
To accommodate “Green” concepts, the designer worked closely with the manufacturer to maximize window openings to allow for ample day lighting.
It took approximately 14 weeks for the panels to be manufactured and shipped to the site where they were staged as the foundation was being completed. Actual installation of the entire structure was completed in only 14 days. Currently the construction manager is fitting out the pre-cast wing for a December substantial completion and move-in by January 1, 2012.