Posted by David Hamilton on July 31st, 2009

Finish construction continues to accelerate at the Baldwin Center.  Quickly on the heels of the mechanical, electrical and plumbing rough-ins blogged last week, teldata and AV prewiring went in.  In a highly-efficient two day install, we’ve now prepared to receive the torrent of digital information that can come through this facility on our now-operational Fiber-to-the-Home network.

Speaking of the fiber network, we’ve successfully tested another trenching technology for installing underground fiber at Bundoran Farm.  The vibratory plow puts cable directly underground with very limited ground disturbance, protecting the thick stands of pasture grasses that typify Bundoran Farm.

Immediately upon completion of low-voltage wiring, sealing and insulation was completed in a two-day flurry of foam.  The insulation is actually a hybrid system, with the cupola and soaring loft ceiling receiving an open-cell Icynene foam, sprayed cellulose for exterior walls, and acoustic batt in meeting and toilet rooms.  The insulators have done a marvelous job, allowing finish construction to follow immediately.

The tricky load-in of recycled gypsum wallboard (with low-VOC adhesives) was completed earlier this week, and the next week or two will see a furious pace of wallboard-hanging and finish carpentry, as we race to beat the casework deliveries.  Look out for more updates, and if you’re on Bundoran Farm in the next week or two, stop by to see the rapid progress, and the emerging shape of this community space. 

Filed under: Architecture and Design, Baldwin Center for Preservation, Green Building, Project Updates