Final section of exterior walls framed out

With the fire proofing of the steel beams complete, the trailer that held the mixing and spraying apparatus has been removed from the site. This allowed for crews to begin framing out the exterior walls on northwest side of the third floor.



This type of framing is called fly-by framing. The framing is moved off of the concrete floor and is attached to the side of the concrete beam using specially designed and engineered clips to attach the metal framing.



The dimples and rectangular stamp design give the clip added strength. All of the exterior walls have been framed out using this fly-by technique.

Exterior Systems 90% complete

The process of installing exterior panels is 90% complete. The final sections, which will be completed in the coming weeks, include the Alucobond paneling located at the loading dock and a section of panels at the northern most part of the building.

Crews have finished installing the cedar accents on the exterior of the building. They are now installing cedar in the main lobby pavilion. These accents will be found in the area adjacent to the main stairs and on the terrace, adjacent to the pavilion.

Facts about the cedar being installed at the Carpenters Center (as previously posted)

• The western red cedar has a custom tongue and groove shape, giving it a unique appearance and stronger interlocking connection than typical tongue and groove products.
  
• The cedar is from 100 year old trees and has roughly 15 rings per inch, making it a long-lasting product with an expected lifetime of 50 years.
  
• The cedar sealant is a water-soluble silicone based water-proofer that is less harsh on the environment than oil based products and emits no VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds).

HVAC

HVAC work continues throughout the building and has begun on the 3rd floor. HVAC, which stands for "heating, ventilating, and air conditioning," is sometimes referred to as climate control and is particularly important in the design of medium to large industrial and office buildings, where humidity and temperature must all be closely regulated while maintaining safe and healthy conditions within (www.wikipedia.com).



Ductwork deals with conditioned air, whether heated or cooled. The air comes from a rooftop unit that takes a percentage of outside air and combines it with air that is circulated throughout a building. Dampers throughout the ductwork open and close depending on how much conditioned air is required according to the temperature set on the thermostat.

The ductwork is being installed throughout the Carpenters Centers by sheet metal workers working for United HVAC. On each floor, once the rough sheet metal work is complete, the other mechanical trades can run their pipe work and metal frame work can begin.



There are fans on the roof that turn the air and push it down through the ductwork. Air enters the building through the diffuser ductwork, which connects to branch ducts that run horizontally across the ceiling of each floor of the building. The sweeping elbow units (like the one below) move the air between floors and allow it to turn direction to run horizontally throughout the building.

The air is moved along to the exterior walls where it is pushed down the wall and across the floor to the interior return registers. These return registers have fans that draw the air back up to the air handler on the roof. This conditioned air is then reconditioned and sent back down into the building.



The double wall insulated unit seen here weighs approximately 600 pounds. This unit carries the air from one floor through to another. Because the unit is passing through the concrete floor, the exterior cannot be wrapped continuously in insulation, so the interior of the unit is insulated, eliminating the need for exterior insulation.

The Exterior of the Carpenters Center

From Suzanne O’Leary, Assistant Project Manager, Sunrise Erectors:
The Carpenters Center exterior is comprised of metal panel rainscreen, cedar tongue and groove rainscreen, curtain wall and storefront systems.

Alucobond panels are the primary material in the metal panel rainscreen, which we receive in the form of flat stock. The rainscreen acts as a second shell to the building, protecting the first layer from weathering and heavy moisture. Any moisture that does penetrate the rainscreen is allowed to dry out through various vents.

Sunrise Erectors fabricates each panel and piece of furring from flat material in their shop in Canton, MA before assembling and installing it. The panel colors were meticulously formulated and have a substantial amount of metallic fleck, adding to the range of each color as go past the building, similar to car paint.

Exterior dens glass installed

This week, carpenters working for H Carr & Sons installed the dens glass on the exterior of the building along the Expressway. After the dens glass is in place, carpenters with Sunrise Erectors will install the ice and water shield. This shield is a sheet of rubberized adhesive that provides protection from ice and water. On top of the ice/water shield an aluminum grid system will be put in place in preparation for the installation of the Alucobond Panels.

Alucobond Panel Installation

The installation of Alucobond panels is moving right along. The process includes varies steps. First, crews working for Sunrise Erectors screw galvanized light-gauge steel Z-clips through the ice and water shield (dark blue) that covers the building.



These clips are screwed in place every 16 inches, through the ice and water shield and into the metal stud of the exterior of the building. Between the Z-clips, 3-inch rigid Styrofoam insulation is put in place (light blue, above).

Across the face of the insulation the stand-off grid system is installed. These steel strips run vertically across the building. 90% of the stand-off grid work is complete.


The stips run vertically above and below the windows.

The Alucobond panels are clipped onto the stand-off steel grid.

At panel joints (where two panels meet) there is ½ inch spacing where you can see a reveal strip that is colored differently then the panels to give a shadow effect. On the second and third floors it is a dark bronze reveal and on the first floor it’s a gray reveal.

Panels are arriving on site every day from the fabrication shop, located in Canton, MA.



Sunrise Erectors also began installing cedar siding between windows on the West side of the building. Cedar accents were selected to help this side of the building conform to the look of the residential neighborhood. The cedar will be installed between windows on the third floor and in a section along the bottom of the windows on the second floor down to the Pavilion level.



Stainless Steel panels will run horizontally along the bottom of the building, wherever the building meets the ground or the lower level of the parking deck. Much like a back splash of a kitchen sink, this stainless steel will act as a back splash to handle things like salt, water and dirt that typically come in contact with this part of a building.

Water Tanks Installed, Mockups Fabricated

This week, five storm water septor tanks were installed on site. The tanks will collect drainage from the roof and parking deck so the run off doesn't super charge the water system in the street and cause flooding. These tanks, by design, will slowly disperse water bank into the soil.




Form work for stairwell at the North end of the building continued. The hole seen here is from the original structure and will be filled in with concrete. The carpenter seen here is working on the forms.



12x16 Mockup panels were fabricated and are on display for the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) to display samples of the Alucabond Panels that will cover the exterior of the building as well as the windows. The mock ups will give the BRA an idea of the look and color of the completed building. They will be stay on site for the duration of the project.



A view from Dorchester Ave.

Project Update: first and second floor work continues

A few projects have been completed in the pavilion entrance of the building including the installation of the reception desk, painting, and flooring. The flooring in this area includes stone tile on the main floor and wood on the the stair treads connecting the entrance to the second floor.

The wood chosen for the Pavilion stairway is called Ipe. Ipe, pronounced "ee-pee," is also known as "Brazilian Hardwood" and is one of the hardest woods known to man. It is a deep dark brown colored wood with exceptionally fine graining. It is one of the densest woods available and is fire resistant. The exterior stairs are also being laminated with Ipe.



Fourteen welding booths have been received and installed in the welding area. This is located on the Northeast portion of the building and the large glass windows makes this training area visible to those traveling on the Expressway.


Meanwhile, interior signage has been hung throughout the building. These include office numbers, room names (i.e. electrical closet, pump room), non-electric life and safety signs (exit signs), floorplan signs, and fire alarm pull switches.



Finished lighting fixtures, which are complete on the third floor, are being installed on the second floor.


Elevator inspections were held last week. Each elevator (passenger, freight, and wheel chair lift) passed inspection. Fire alarm inspections are scheduled to happen this week. Boston Inspectional Services will conduct initial inspections and provide a temporary certificate of occupancy, which will give clearance for furniture to be moved in to the space. The Final inspection is slated for January 28th.

Video Update - Apprentices work on exterior stairs

Facts about the Exterior - Cedar

As previously posted, Sunrise Erectors also began installing cedar siding between windows on the West side of the building. Cedar accents were selected to help this side of the building conform to the look of the residential neighborhood. The cedar will be installed between windows on the third floor and in a section along the bottom of the windows on the second floor down to the Pavilion level.

Here is some information about the cedar being installed:

• The western red cedar has a custom tongue and groove shape, giving it a unique appearance and stronger interlocking connection than typical tongue and groove products.
• The cedar is from 100 year old trees and has roughly 15 rings per inch, making it a long-lasting product with an expected lifetime of 50 years.
• The cedar sealant is a water-soluble silicone based water-proofer that is less harsh on the environment than oil based products and emits no VOCs.

Information provided by Sunrise Erectors.

Alucobond Panel Installation Begins

Crews working for Sunrise Erectors began installing the Alucobond Panels on the exterior of the Carpenters Center.

The following series of pictures was taken at the same time of day, driving Northbound along the building. Notice how the panels appear to change color. The reflection of the sunlight along with the viewing angle changes the appearance of the panels. This detail is part of the architectural design of the building.

Carpenters Going Green: Point Breakdown Category 5- Indoor Environmental Quality

9 points Attained

Prerequisite - Environmental Tobacco Smoke Control – the entire building has been designated as non-smoking. Any exterior smoking must be 25 feet away from entries, outdoor air intakes and operable windows.

1. Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring – the building is designed with a permanent CO2 monitoring system in all higher occupancy spaces

2. Increased Ventilation - designed to comply by allowing the mechanical system to provide breathing zone outdoor air ventilation rates and at least 30% above the minimum rates

3. Construction IAQ Management Plan – During Construction Suffolk Construction is committed to implementing a construction IAQ management plan in accordance with LEED requirements

4. Low-Emitting Materials – Adhesives and Sealants (VOC limits) Specified adhesives and sealants that comply with the South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule #1168 and Green Seal Standard

5. Low-Emitting Materials – Paints and Coatings (VOC limits) Project uses paints and coatings inside the building envelope that complies with the Green Seal Standard GS-11 for paints and primers Standard GS-03 for anti-corrosive paints and the South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 1113 for finishes, stains, and sealer



6. Low-Emitting Materials – Carpet Systems (CRI Green label program and VOC limits). The project uses carpets and carpet cushions that meet the testing and product requirements of the Carpet and Rug Institute’s Green Label Plus Program. All of the carpet’s adhesives will meet VOC limits.



7. Low-Emitting Materials – Composite Wood and Agrifiber Products - Will not use composite wood and agrifiber products that contain urea-formaldehyde resins inside the building’s envelope.

8. Lighting – individual controls for 90% of occupants. There are lighting controls for every regularly occupied space. Private and shared offices have two-level occupancy sensors, individual workstations have flexible, integrally-switched task lights, and classroom/conference spaces have multiple levels of switch controls to allow for adjustment of lighting levels in accordance with the activity.



9. Thermal Comfort Design - targets to maintain 75 degrees and 50% relative humidity in the summer and 72 degrees in the winter.

As Seen on the LED Display

Carpenters Going Green - Category 5 - Indoor Enviornmental Quality

Prerequisite - Environmental Tobacco Smoke Control – the entire building has been designated as non-smoking. Any exterior smoking must be 25 feet away from entries, outdoor air intakes and operable windows.

1. Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring – the building is designed with a permanent CO2 monitoring system in all higher occupancy spaces

2. Increased Ventilation - designed to comply by allowing the mechanical system to provide breathing zone outdoor air ventilation rates and at least 30% above the minimum rates

3. Construction IAQ Management Plan – During Construction Suffolk Construction is committed to implementing a construction IAQ management plan in accordance with LEED requirements

4. Low-Emitting Materials – Adhesives and Sealants (VOC limits) Specified adhesives and sealants that comply with the South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule #1168 and Green Seal Standard

5. Low-Emitting Materials – Paints and Coatings (VOC limits) Project uses paints and coatings inside the building envelope that complies with the Green Seal Standard GS-11 for paints and primers Standard GS-03 for anti-corrosive paints and the South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 1113 for finishes, stains, and sealer



6. Low-Emitting Materials – Carpet Systems (CRI Green label program and VOC limits). The project uses carpets and carpet cushions that meet the testing and product requirements of the Carpet and Rug Institute’s Green Label Plus Program. All of the carpet’s adhesives will meet VOC limits.



7. Low-Emitting Materials – Composite Wood and Agrifiber Products - Will not use composite wood and agrifiber products that contain urea-formaldehyde resins inside the building’s envelope.

8. Lighting – individual controls for 90% of occupants. There are lighting controls for every regularly occupied space. Private and shared offices have two-level occupancy sensors, individual workstations have flexible, integrally-switched task lights, and classroom/conference spaces have multiple levels of switch controls to allow for adjustment of lighting levels in accordance with the activity.



9. Thermal Comfort Design - targets to maintain 75 degrees and 50% relative humidity in the summer and 72 degrees in the winter.

For more information, click on the links in the right column under the heading "Carpenters Going Green"

Move-in begins

Carpenters with Interstate Office Partitions are finalizing work on the third floor assembling office furniture. At the same time, staff from the New England Regional Council of Carpenters has started to move in to their office space on the floor. The move is scheduled to be complete by the end of this weekend.

There are some final punch list items to be completed by subcontractors throughout the building, all items are scheduled to be complete by the end of next week. A few items that will be finished this spring include landscaping, fencing and exterior painting at the terrace (including handrails).

The FFE (furniture, fixtures, and equipment) work on the second and first floors will be coordinated by the Boston JATC and are scheduled to be completed in the coming weeks.

Facts about the Exterior

• There is over 27,000 square feet of insulation and membrane on the building.
• There are 866 metal panels total, and their typical dimensions are roughly 2’ x 15’.
• The largest panel sits at the top corner of the sloped wall near the highway: in addition to the face of the panel, it spans 45 inches over the parapet.
• Most corner panels need their own box truck to arrive on the site without incurring any damage.
• The paint colors for Carpenters Center metal panels took months to refine to achieve the level of gloss and shine that we see on the building today.
• Some vertical members of the entry pavilion curtain wall weigh upwards of 700 lbs each.
• The largest pieces of glass weight over 200 lbs each.

Information provided by Sunrise Erectors.

Mock-up panels ready for BRA

Carpenters working for Sunrise Erectors completed the mock-up on site, which offers a visual display of look and color of the Carpenters Center upon completion.



The mock-up is a requirement of the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA). The BRA has authority over all new building development in the city, part of what they do is ensure that designs chosen for new construction fit in with the existing neighborhood’s character. On this site, the BRA is particularly concerned with the colors and their effect on the neighborhood.

The responsibilities of the BRA include, among other things: reviewing proposed development projects; making recommendations on major construction and redevelopment activity to the city’s Zoning Commission; and drafting master plans that address the city's needs for infrastructure, downtown and community economic development, and that include design guidelines and development controls. For more information, visit the BRA's website.

Carpenters working for Sunrise Erectors finished the mock-ups with the installation of windows and Alucobond Panels that will cover the exterior of the building. The mock-up panels consist of six colors, 4 color panels and 2 reveal colors (charcoal and bronze in this picture) and a section of cedar siding (running along the bottom).


The building design as visible from Dorchester Ave.



The building design as visible from I-93/the Southeast Expressway.

The mock-up up will be reviewed by the BRA and will remain on site for the duration of the project.

Carpenters Union opens new headquarters in Dorchester

As reported by Jon Chesto in today's Patriot Ledger:

BOSTON — New England union opens a new headquarters in Dorchester

Motorists on the Southeast Expressway are passing a new landmark on their commutes in and out of Boston: the new three-story headquarters for the New England Regional Council of Carpenters.

The 75,000-square-foot building’s exterior has essentially two faces: a modern wall along the highway and a more traditional cedar-paneled facade that can be seen from the neighborhood. Union spokesman Bert Durand said the mix was intentional, partly as a courtesy to the union’s residential neighbors and partly as a reflection of the union membership’s varied range of skills.

The most distinct feature is a 30-foot tall digital sign that can be seen from the expressway. The sign’s LED lights can quickly be reprogrammed to show a new image. The union is using the sign to promote the carpentry trade, as well as providing public service announcements and supporting favored political candidates.

The carpenters council relocated last month from its old headquarters on Summer Street in South Boston. The new building allowed the union to move its training facility from Brighton, as well as other operations, under one roof within the past few weeks.

The carpenters union had been looking for a new location for at least a decade, union officials said. Durand said the union also considered locations in South Boston’s marine industrial park and on Morrissey Boulevard.

The current site at 750 Dorchester Ave. was picked for several reasons, including the ample parking, visibility and easy highway access. The property is also convenient to the Red Line, as it sits between the Andrew Square and JFK/UMass stops.

The union bought the property in 2008 from an owner of Dirigo Spice for more than $5 million, although the site had fallen into disuse. The structure was originally built in the 1940s as a laundry for the Archdiocese of Boston. The old building was gutted and its second story was removed, and the carpenters used the first floor as a foundation to build a new second level and a third level.

Mark Erlich, the council’s executive secretary-treasurer, said the union spent about $19 million on construction. More than 900 union members participated in the construction project in some way, as subcontractors, apprentices or volunteers, Erlich said. “We want our members to feel like it’s their building,” he said.

To view the article online, including pictures, click here.