October 11, 2000
C.A.S.H. Fall Conference
Cost Containment Workshop
Michael Rainforth, Rainforth Grau Architects
Cost Containment Features (Sampling)

ARCHITECTURAL

• Provide chain link or opaque wood fence at utility/equipment yard.

• Reduce concrete walk area via site plan solution.

• Change plastic laminate wainscot panels at MP from to FRP.

• Reduce gutters and downspouts where possible.

• Drain roof drains to grade where possible; do not connect to storm drain.

• Change floor finishes in Girl’s and Boy’s toilet rooms from sheet vinyl to sealed concrete.

• Reduce vinyl covered tackable wall surfaces to one wall per classroom.

• Eliminate operable partitions.

• Reduce stage curtains to front curtain only.

• Delete interior basketball backstops.

• Construct more classrooms as permanent relocatable.

• Connect more relocatable building modules together to create larger buildings.

• Change lighting levels by eliminating four light fixtures from each classroom.

• Reduce stage lighting fixtures and equipment.

• Group Toilets – Single staff location.

• Delete stamped concrete.

• Delete colored concrete.

STRUCTURAL

• Concede GLB to be “industrial grade”.

• Eliminate overhangs as possible/practical.

• Eliminate hip framing.

PLUMBING

• Eliminate/reduce wall hydrants on exterior of buildings.

• Reduce quantity of shutoff valves.

• Use instantaneous water heaters at sinks instead of electric under the counter tank type water heaters.

• Create more vents through roofs instead of grouping all the vents together prior to roof penetrations.

• Delete recirculating hot water pump.

• Floor mounted (rather than wall mounted) w.c.

HVAC

• Utilize external duct insulation in lieu of internally lining duct systems.

• Omit the Energy Management Control System and utilize standalone programmable thermostats for AC units.

• Reduce the number of diffusers.

• Create flat roofs throughout allowing placement of AC units directly above classrooms. This will reduce duct lengths.

• Reduce glazing.

ELECTRICAL

• Manual FA systems with ability for automatic expansion by District. (Addressable)

• 3-lamp fluorescent fixtures – rows.

• No surge suppression (by District). $40 - $50 each.

• No house-light dimming in multipurpose. Use step reduction in fluorescents.

• No programmable clocks – battery operated.

• Cable trays in accessible ceilings.

• Delete 480v lighting and transformers

• Low voltage systems in cable only (no conduit, except as needed for access).

CIVIL

• Use of extruded curbs in lieu of poured in place.

• Careful consideration of building layout to allow for more direct utility runs.

• Delete connection of rain water leaders to storm drain system when possible.

• Larger planter areas (instead of numerous small planters) to minimize number of planter drains required.

• Eliminate planters in parking lot.

LANDSCAPE

• Provide simpler paving designs, layout of control joints and expansion joints.