For the Duke University West Campus Steam Plant Renewal and Renovation Project, Lend Lease (US) Construction converted a coal-fired steam plant to gas and updated the facility overall. Work included removing three coal-fired boilers and associated systems, ash conveyors, ash hoppers and two bag houses. Crews then replaced this equipment with a gas/oil-fired boiler, along with all-new mechanical, electrical and control equipment—all while the plant remained fully operational. Additionally, the project's scope included the restoration of the 33,000-sq-ft facility's historic 1928 facade and the demolition of two 175-ft-tall brick chimneys. The team established an onsite BIM center with a 50-in. computer monitor that workers could use to work out minor conflicts with the engineer.

Photo courtesy of Lend Lease (US) Construction

This project converted the existing coal-fired plant to a gas-fired system, and included an update of the entire facility.

Photo courtesy of Lend Lease (US) Construction

The Duke University project earned an Award of Merit in the renovation and restoration category.

Award of Merit - Renovation/Restoration — Duke University – West Campus Steam Plant, Durham, N.C.

Key Players

Contractor Lend Lease (US) Construction, Durham, N.C.

Owner Duke University, Durham, N.C.

Lead Design Firm, Structural/Civil/MEP Engineer RMF Engineering, Raleigh

Architect Flad Architects, Raleigh