To coordinate the myriad components of Owensboro Health Regional Hospital, a facility with 477 beds, 16 operating room suites and an expanded neonatal intensive-care unit, project team members made extensive use of building information modeling, lean construction principals and integrated project delivery throughout all phases of design and construction.

Among other benefits, IPD promoted early participation of mechanical, plumbing, drywall, electrical and life-safety trades, all tied to a guaranteed maximum price contract and functioning as design-assist contractors.

The method proved critical in delivering the $385-million, 781,000-sq-ft facility on time and under pre-schematic budget, given a decision by the owner to reprogram and restack the building while construction documents were being completed. In all, alterations added 55,000 sq ft to the program and more than $20 million in scope changes.

The structure's curvilinear form posed additional challenges. By making early use of BIM, the project team circumvented potential conflicts among mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems during schematic design. BIM also facilitated early evaluation of the functionality and life cycle of system components.

Trades also used BIM to prefabricate several building components, from structural steel, plumbing and HVAC assemblies to electrical, in-wall and exterior head-wall assemblies.

As plans progressed, team members opted to sequence work from top down, a practice they say was critical to minimizing schedule changes following alterations to the program. The approach not only minimized material transfer and traffic through finished spaces but also allowed the construction manager to increase speed as the work flow and manpower peaked.

In addition to more than 40 designers, engineers, consultants and construction managers, the collaboration extended to more than 60 users groups, including nurses, physicians and facility managers. Planners also solicited input from 400 community members.

Owensboro Health Regional HospitalOwensboro, Ky.

Key Players

Owner Owensboro Medical Health System, Owensboro, Ky.

GC Turner Construction Co., Brentwood, Tenn.

Designer Hammel, Green and Abrahamson Inc., Milwaukee

MEP Engineer Smith Seckman Reid Inc., Nashville