MTech Receives Excellence in Complex Construction Award
MTech Mechanical received the Excellence in Complex Construction Award, presented by Swinerton for work on the Colorado State University’s Durward Hall renovation project.
Durward Hall is a 12-story, 104,000 sqft residence hall that houses 450 students each year. The nearly 60-year-old building required a renovation addressing the building envelope, mechanical and plumbing systems, and interior finishes to deliver a safe and desirable living environment for students. Priorities for CSU included promoting cost and energy efficiency of building utilities, aligning with campus sustainability approach by keeping the building’s existing structure intact, and completing the project on an accelerated timeline (Fall 2024 to Summer 2025) to ensure students could move-in in August prior to the school year beginning.
MTech Mechanical’s expertise was crucial to improving Durward Hall’s mechanical and plumbing systems. Because the building was undergoing a simultaneous window replacement, MTech crews drained the domestic water heater and heating systems, and replaced or added over 500 valves, air vents, and expansion compensators while working in the frozen building. Completing these tasks was no small feat, let alone in freezing conditions that posed threats of catastrophic damage to systems and their equipment.
Along with MTech’s technical expertise and commitment to quality, their teamwork and willingness to partner and train other trades is what earned them Swinerton’s Expertise in Complex Construction Award, described by Lindsay Brown, Community Relations Manager at Swinerton:
“Nominations are received from project teams throughout the year and then are reviewed by our Senior Leadership Team. The Excellence in Complex Construction award is awarded to a trade partner who was imperative to the success of a complex or unique project. MTech worked with our education team on [this] project to go above and beyond to execute a very thorough plan to replace mechanical units on Durward in a very difficult location in the basement.”
Space needed to be created in Durward Hall’s congested basement to allow for the removal of two outdoor air handling units and the installation of seven heating water pumps, a domestic water booster pump, duplex sewage ejector system, and extensive new ductwork and piping modifications. MTech partnered with Swinerton to develop a sophisticated plan involving the demo of existing piping arrangements and removal of a 14 by 12-foot wall section to make room for the mechanical system upgrades. This complex operation was completed in only three days honoring CSU’s priorities of a quick timeline and sustainability via preservation of the building’s original structure.
This award is a testament to MTech Mechanical’s vision of being “One Team, Delivering Experiences That Matter,” and mission “To Develop Trusting Relationships Through Inspired Mechanical Solutions.” MTech Mechanical would like to extend a special thanks to project engineers Melanie Peterson and Jake Cinkus, estimators Jay Palma and Chad Schaefer, field leaders Rick Alvardo, Davis King, Dave Baros, and Earl Jones III, the several assigned journeymen and apprentices, and the Northern Colorado Service team for their commitment to this project. A thank you to Swinerton for the recognition and for being a valued partner. MTech is proud to have built a safe and comfortable place that students will call “home” for many years to come.
