Cambridge, Ma – TG Gallagher announced it will provide design-build HVAC, plumbing and fire protection services for a new 11-story, 300,000 SF headquarters for the world’s leading private education company, EF Education First. Phase one of the project is underway and comprises the office building’s core and shell. Skanska USA Building selected TG Gallagher as their design-build partner for the prominent project adjacent to North Point Park in Cambridge, Mass.
“We have worked with TG Gallagher many times, and they always deliver,” said Joe Breen, Senior Vice President – Project Executive at Skanska USA Building Inc. “As one of our design-build partners, TG Gallagher provides expert insight during the design phase that is instrumental in executing a smooth construction process.”
TG Gallagher will create a heating and cooling plant with two large air handlers in a rooftop mechanical penthouse to provide the building with full air distribution. In response to strict floor-to-ceiling height requirements, a displacement air system will be utilized to provide EF with maximum flexibility now and in the future. The plumbing infrastructure will include two grey water collection systems to reduce the water consumption of the building substantially. A rain water collection system will collect the rain water from the roof drains to be used for irrigation, and the lavatory waste water will be collected and treated to be used for water closet flushing.
Adjacent to EF’s existing office building in Cambridge, which EF will continue to operate, the new 10-story headquarters will provide:
· 230,000 SF of office and educational space for the expanding company
· 65,000 SF of above-grade structured parking garage with 126 parking spaces and a dedicated bike room for EF employees
· 31,000 SF of public space on the ground and mezzanine floors including a 14,000 SF foot restaurant with 440 seats and tiered outdoor seating wrapping around the entire building
Designed by Wingardh Arkitektkontor AB of Sweden along with Wilson Architects Inc., the new EF headquarters will feature a large, wide open framed atrium space with an exterior cascading glass waterfall that was inspired by the facility’s close proximity to the Charles River. Sure to become a signature landmark for the City of Cambridge, the building reflects the design aesthetic of surrounding landmarks including the Zakim Bridge and the turrets on the Museum of Science.
“Not only will this new building allow EF to provide expanded cultural education programs, it will add an iconic new building to the city’s skyline and provide much-needed construction and permanent jobs. We are honored to help EF reinvest in the City of Cambridge,” said Brian Potter, President of TG Gallagher.