The Solution
The extended project team, including the structural
engineer THP Limited and architect SHP Leading
Design (another Autodesk BIM Experience Award
winner), used software based on the Autodesk®
Revit® platform to share and coordinate their designs.
“Our BIM approach was critical for helping to mini-
mize RFIs and construction delays,” says Stephen
Federle, KLH electrical engineer. “Moreover, we used
the information in our collective design models to
estimate, order, and accelerate the submittal pro-
cess—helping to expedite the project schedule to get
the books back into circulation.”
Coordinate Designs
“All the new mechanical systems needed to fit within
the existing structure of the old library,” explains
Millard. “On a daily basis we integrated the design
models of the extended project team, helping us to
identify, track, update, and react to design changes.”
“For example, the new library included very tall
book stacks,” says Federle. “We had to coordinate
those stacks with the existing structure, and then
figure out how to fit the new duct work, lights, and
technology systems in the remaining few feet above
the stacks.” With assistance from an integrated
design model, KLH more quickly and accurately
routed its systems through those very tight spaces
and avoided clashes that might have led to costly
on-site schedule delays.
Integrate Energy Analysis
KLH used the intelligent information in the Revit
MEP model to conduct energy analyses and develop
a design that satisfied the preservation needs of the
books and delivered optimal building performance.
“We did not have to lose valuable time recreating
model data for analysis and instead focused on design-
ing more efficient building systems,” remarks Millard.
Building their expertise through experience, KLH
now uses Autodesk® 3ds Max® Design software for
daylighting analysis, collaborating with architects to
help influence early design decisions with a systems
approach to projects. In addition, KLH is implement-
ing Autodesk® Green Building Studio® web service
to help support its sustainable design and energy
analysis services.
The Result
The Klau Library reopened in 2009 and features
a geothermal system that will reduce energy and
operating costs by an estimated 40 percent. “Revit
MEP helped us visualize how the existing structure,
the new construction, and the building systems
all fit together—enabling us to make faster, more
informed decisions,” says Federle. “This was our
first Revit MEP project, and with the help of our
Autodesk Subscription and Autodesk’s technical
support, it was a resounding success. We now rely
on Autodesk BIM solutions for the majority of our
MEP projects.”