Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children

Birmingham, Alabama

To successfully plan and deliver this complicated facility, we co-locate all of our specialty contractors in a “BIM big room” where BIM models are stored on a single server and coordination was done in real time rather than incrementally at document review meetings. All subs used the model to generate shop drawings—and in some cases for fabrication—making the delivery process even more efficient. For example, our plumbing subcontractor prefabricated assemblies in a nearby warehouse. The controlled environment increased quality and reduced waste saving $1.5 million in material costs. We also prefabricated multi-trade above-ceiling racks, designed by Hoar to hold ductwork, piping and cabling. The racks were loaded, insulated and tested on the floor, then jacked into place and bolted fully complete to the structure. Exterior glass panels were prefabricated and delivered to the jobsite assembled, tested and ready to install, so a task that would typically have taken four months was completed in just 14 weeks.