In Montgomery County, Pennsylvania it is typical for a hospital complex to be constructed with a steel framing system and curtain wall facade. Due to this building being the first medical center for the region in ten years, it is challenging to locate similar projects in the immediate area for a means and methods comparison. With the recent development in healthcare technology and building technology, the existing facilities in southeastern PA will not provide an efficient design and construction processes comparison.

In lieu of limited information, medical centers outside of southeastern PA, yet still within three hours of the New Regional Medical Center site are investigated. In all instances, a structural steel frame has been utilized; however, these facilities typically have a masonry facade due to campus aesthetic plans and existing structures.

Understanding the current state of healthcare construction, and Perkins + Will's expertise, the building methods utilized on the project reflect the current trends in construction within the Philadelphia region.

The sequence plans for the structural steel of the New Regional Medical Center begins in the south-west corner of the structure and progress east, covering ground level to the second floor of the West Tower (Figure 1 & 2: shown in red). Once this section is complete, the remainder of the building's steel is placed to the same elevation. This phase is represented in orange. The crane returns to the south-west corner after looping the building, and continues to place the final two levels of the West Tower (shown in blue). From here, it travels along the south facade, placing the atrium and high-roof steel (shown in purple), the beginning of the East Tower (shown in green) and concludes with the remainder of the East Tower (shown in brown).

Finish sequencing is planned for a top-down, bottom-up approach. This method permits the trades to work their way out of the building, and depart the medical center on the first floor. Doing so also permits the completed sections of the facility to be locked out and begin closeout review. The programming of the facility has placed the Emergency Department and Operating Rooms on the ground floor and first floor, respectively, of the north sector of the medical center (see Figures 3 & 4 for details). These two areas involve the greatest focus regarding interior systems and finishes. By working down the East and West Towers, the tower crews will complete three floors (Fourth, Third, Second); in the same amount of time scheduled for the ground crews have to complete the ground floor. The goal is for the crews to merge on the first floor and work their way north, finishing the operating room support areas and waiting area last.

The New Regional Medical Center project will be constructed under a single prime contract with Gilbane Building Company. The facility will compromise Phase 1 of the healthcare campus constructed on the 84 acre property. The construction manager was selected through a bid process resulting in a GMP selection by the Owner. Gilbane Building Company was awarded the project and is acting as a CM at Risk in this agreement. The contract consists of a GMP of $146,741,834.00 for the construction dates of July 6, 2010 to August 31, 2012. The project is listed as tax exempt. Liquidated damage language includes a fee of $13,607 per day, applied to a late delivery after August 31, 2012. After sixty days late, liquidated damages increase to $50,000 per day. Per the contract, one-hundred percent of cost savings is returned to the Owner. In addition to this, ten percent of Gilbane's fee is retained throughout the project's duration. If the project requires a time extension for unforeseen conditions or at owner's request, time will be granted for delay to critical path items. Compensation on general condition expenses for durations of requested extensions will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Contract documents will be prepared by Perkins + Will, with consultation from a team of design professionals. As shown in Figure 12, Perkins + Will operates by a lump sum and is in contract with their associates. In addition to the Architect, Program Manager, and Construction Manager working under contract of the Owner, three additional consultants are in direct contract with the owner regarding specialty services.

Due to the design efforts to create an effective balance of light quality with energy efficiency, the majority of lighting fixtures in the building incorporate energy efficient compact fluorescent lights (CFL). Additionally, metal halide (MH), fluorescent (FL), light emitting diode (LED), and both electronic or magnetic low voltage (ELV or MLV). A majority of the fixtures are recessed ceiling-mounted and require 277 volts, with wattage dependent on the lighting application.

Please reference the table below for typical patient room lighting information.

The fire suppression system within the medical center includes a Double Interlocked Deluge Preaction Sprinkler System. This system corresponds to the facility usage since accidental discharge would be damaging to medical equipment and finishes. Water pressure is supplied by a 1000 gpm, 100 psi boot, diesel engine fire pump and networked though a combined wet standpipe and automatic wet pipe.