Boyer Hall, Science Labs Get Makeover, Green Roof

By Purnell T. Cropper | September 21, 2010

Over the summer, Facilities staff and Delran Builders gave Boyer Hall and its science labs an extensive makeover—adding four rooms, upgrading labs, creating an accessible bathroom, and even installing a green roof atop the amphitheater.

The most stunning improvement is the build-out of the cavernous entrance to Boyer Hall. To the left of the entryway, two glass-enclosed lounges were added on the second and third floors. To the right, above the staircase, a new conference room, which can be split with a movable partition into two separate rooms, was added on the third floor. Three new faculty offices also were added on the second floor, and a dozen or so faculty offices were recarpeted and repainted.

The glassed-in conference room(s) features a tranquil view of the new green roof atop the amphitheater, where flats of sedum are growing into a self-maintaining green carpet. Railings have been added around the green roof, which also features a walkway accessible from the greenhouse. Inside the greenhouse, a new ventilation system coupled with new glass store front partition provides plant researchers a climate-controlled lab.

In labs throughout Boyer, the rehab is floor-to-ceiling—new vinyl floors and carpet, bright white finishes on all the formerly black lab tables, new plumbing, casework repairs, and even new lights and ceiling panels. “The result is a clean new look in labs throughout the building,” says Tom Macchi, Associate Vice President for Facilities and Capital Planning.

From the entryway to the hallways, new LED energy efficient lighting, new carpet, new comfy chairs and tables, new floors and new paint complete the internal redo. Outside, the grounds staff added their special touches, interweaving arborvitae and holly plants along the north (parking lot) side of the building. In late afternoon the sinking sun create a striking series of lines and shadows along the face of the building.

“We also added an experimental white roof coating to test out heat load reductions on the roof membrane,” adds Macchi. “And we replaced the entire glass storefront with energy efficient glass. Other projects included creating a new accessible entrance that was needed for the construction pedestrian route change and retiling all elevator foyer areas.”