CASE STUDY
ELON
ENGINEERING
TRANSFORMING ENGINEERING EDUCATION
Overcoming challenges to build a state-of-the-art center for engineering and physics.
Samet played a pivotal role in the expansion of Elon University’s STEM facilities, utilizing its experience from four previous campus projects to assist the university’s transformation of its engineering program into an accredited four-year major. Their involvement was crucial in setting and maintaining project cost, expediting the early procurement of materials to avoid delays, and resolving design conflicts proactively.
With the rise of STEM discipline occupations, Elon University recognized the need to convert its partial engineering program into a fully accredited four-year program and build a center for its engineering and physics disciplines.
Working with Duke Energy, Samet aimed to complete the power infrastructure by Spring 2022 to allow for building finishes before the Fall semester. However, Duke Energy experienced procurement issues with transformer connectors, which affected many large-load systems and subcontractor scheduling. Additionally, Samet installed underground HVAC piping to connect the new building to the campus utility loop by December 2021. This effort was complicated by delays in a campus-wide upgrade of boiler and chiller systems due to supply chain issues, which reduced the utility loop’s capacity. As warmer months approached, high humidity levels in the building necessitated an urgent solution to continue the building finishes, further compounding the project’s complexity.
Samet and Starr Electric collaborated to resolve HVAC equipment and other electrical load issues. They sized a temporary generator with Sunbelt to run all heavy systems simultaneously, requiring local and Duke Energy approvals. Despite delays and permit issues, the team restored permanent power by June 2022, and removed all temporary wiring in less than 30 days. They secured a Certificate of Occupancy by July 2022, allowing timely owner move-in before students returned to campus.
The result of this partnership is a showpiece building providing 65,000 SF of teaching and research space dedicated to engineering and physics. The design and attention to detail has set the bar high for the university’s future buildings.
The new building features state-of-the-art facilities that significantly enhance teaching and research capabilities in engineering and physics. The incorporation of innovative design elements, such as color-changing glass, not only adheres to rigorous safety standards but also elevates the building’s aesthetic appeal, making it a standout feature on campus. These advancements provide a modern and dynamic environment for students and faculty, fostering an atmosphere conducive to cutting-edge research and advanced learning.