About this Project
The Harvard University Science Center, a hub for undergraduate science and math education, is undergoing renovations to enhance its classrooms, laboratories, and shared spaces. Split into two phases, the project aims to modernize critical areas of the building while maintaining its functionality for ongoing academic use. The first phase focused on upgrading the East Wing’s first and second floors, with the mechanical and plumbing systems strategically installed on the fifth floor. This phase delivered a state-of-the-art office suite, a shared work area, and a hands-on laboratory classroom, ensuring these spaces were operational for the Spring 2025 semester.
TG Gallagher installed HVAC and plumbing systems that included a Konvekta heat recovery system, hot water and chilled water systems, a processed chilled water system, an RODI system, a laboratory vacuum system, and a tempered water system. To improve efficiency, TG Gallagher also prefabricated critical components such as pipe and hanger systems, a water heater skid, and plumbing pipe racks.
Renovations in an active academic building came with significant challenges. To minimize disruptions, the TGG team coordinated closely with Harvard University to ensure ongoing classes and laboratories were unaffected. Temporary air handlers and lab plumbing services were deployed to maintain operations in other areas of the building. Tight space constraints required thorough planning and coordination among trades to relocate existing mechanical pipes, ductwork, and plumbing in confined shafts.
Confined space work within the building’s shafts was another hurdle, requiring specialized equipment and strict adherence to safety protocols, as well as daily coordination with Harvard Operations to ensure worker safety. To address additional space constraints, the team collaborated with Worcester Air to assemble a knockdown air handling unit on-site—a practical solution to ensure the mechanical systems fit within the building’s existing footprint. TGG also partnered with Clean Harbors to safely remove outdated lab waste piping and install new systems.
Meeting tight deadlines was critical to ensuring the renovated spaces were ready for the Spring 2025 semester. The TG Gallagher team went above and beyond, working ten-hour days, seven days a week, during critical shutdowns of the building’s chilled water and steam systems to complete the installation of new mechanical systems on schedule. This project’s success was the result of high-level collaboration between TG Gallagher and its subcontractors, including Worcester Air for sheet metal work, Urban Insulation for insulation, Siemens for ATC, THB Company for balancing, and Triboro Crane for rigging.
