Baltimore, Md.-RMF Engineering was recently awarded two “Best Projects” awards from Engineering News-Record (ENR) Southeast for the engineering firm’s renovation and restoration work at Duke University in Durham, N.C.: “Best Project” award for renovation of the university’s Baldwin Hall Auditorium and “Award of Merit” in for the university’s west campus steam plant project.
Renovation / Restoration-“Best Project” Award
Baldwin Hall Auditorium
Duke University’s 85-year-old auditorium was in need of a renovation. RMF replaced the existing electrical systems including power, lighting, lighting control, emergency lighting, fire alarm, communications and site lighting. RMF also increased the depth of the stage and extended the balcony seating to give the theatre a more intimate feel.
In an article in Duke University’s independent daily, The Chronicle, Elizabeth Thompson of Duke’s Music Department commented on the renovated auditorium saying, “the acoustics are fantastic; it’s great for smaller chamber groups … it’s gorgeous inside.”
The project was completed in 2013.
Renovation / Restoration – “Award of Merit”
Duke University West Campus Steam Plant
In an effort to end coal use on campus, Duke University leaders decided to revive their 1920’s vintage steam plant and transform their main steam plant into a state-of-the-art facility. In order to bring the steam plant renewal and conversion to fruition, RMF Engineering provided a number of services, including: mechanical engineering and plumbing (MEP), fire protection design and construction, civil and structural infrastructure design and construction, arc flash analysis and commissioning services.
Completed in 2012, the project included replacing three existing coal-fired boilers with gas and oil-fired industrial water-tube units, steam header and plant piping systems, feed water pumps and a 150,000-gallon fuel oil storage tank. The renovated steam plants use innovative technology to increase system reliability and drive peak energy efficiency. Duke University’s annual energy savings from the system is estimated at $400,000 and plant capacity has increased to 10,000 lb/hr.
In addition to Duke University, RMF Engineering serves a number of other higher education clients throughout the United States. For more information about RMF’s higher education services, click here.
About RMF Engineering
Founded in 1983, RMF Engineering provides planning, design, engineering, commissioning and facility assessment services globally to clients in the healthcare, higher education, laboratory/research and government sectors. The firm leads the industry in the development of new engineering production methods and technologies, including Building Information Modeling (BIM), carbon reduction strategies, and in-depth assessment technologies. A privately held company headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, RMF has more than 200 employees in 11 U.S. offices.
