By / Jessica Kirby
Project: Southport Hotel
Location: 1053 Lake Washington Blvd N, Renton, WA Owner: Seco Development
General Contractor: Sellen Construction
Sheet Metal Contractor: Holmberg Mechanical
Total Building Area: 350,000 square feet
Total Construction Cost: $18,000,000
The Southport Hotel project is a stunning,four-starHyatt hotel adjacent to the south shore of Lake Washington. The 12-storey hotel features a nine-level tower positioned over a podium housing the first three levels. Three hundred forty-seven guest rooms and 43,000 square feet of convention space are spread over 350,000 total square feet.
Holmberg Mechanical was contracted to complete pre- construction detailing and install the plumbing and mechanical systems. Installation of the full plumbing system included water distribution, domestic water piping, sanitary storm, facility storm drainage, plumbing fixtures, gas hot water heaters, a spa area with a saline pool, facility natural gas piping, and plumbing insulation. The project is served by a variable refrigerant flow (VRF) HVAC system with condensing units on the roof serving guest rooms on levels 4 to 12. Condensing units on level 2 serve the podium levels 1 to 3, and two large AHUs serve the grand ballroom, with additional MAUs and HRUs on multiple rooftops.
At its peak, the project employer 40 individuals completing plumbing, fitting, VRF, and HVAC scopes.
Holmberg participated in pre-construction BIM design and detailing as part of the design-assist, and worked with other MEP trades, the engineer, architect, owner, and general contractor to finalize the design, coordinate/clash resolution, and generate final drawings for construction using Revit software. The design-assist mechanical format allowed Holmberg to work with the engineer of record during the design and pre-construction phase of the project to provide added value. The early involvement allowed Holmberg to provide design recommendations, value engineering, budget adjustments, and constructibility reviews, and assist with making equipment selections, provide schedule input, and participate in early coordination of shop drawings and 100% prefabrication of the piping and ductwork.
With limited laydown area, Holmberg used its fabrication shop facilities in Renton and Bellevue for full integration of BIM Support-generated shop drawings from fabrication to delivery and install in field.
Like every project, this one had its challenges, including changes to the design and room layouts once construction had begun. Holmberg’s team worked closely with the owner, architect, and engineer of record to minimize the impacts brought on by change orders.
As well, grease duct routing and install for kitchens on three levels presented a challenge, but working with the general contractor in the Revit model assisted the team in identifying the best routing and coordination with other trades.
The VRF was installed on an accelerated schedule, and to manage the time constraint it was detailed using the three- pipe system routing in Revit, resulting in a fully coordinated and efficient installation.
Holmberg used a number of proprietary construction techniques to make the project a success. It also developed spool sheets and fabricated pipe and duct offsite for a more efficient installation process.
The project was constructed to meet LEED Silver energy efficiency requirements. On the HVAC side, Holmberg was very diligent with quality assurance and quality control of keeping the ducting clean throughout the duration of the project prior to startup.
Holmberg is proud of its contribution to this beautiful finished product.
