The Art of Building series showcases the techniques, solutions, and innovations that contribute to Shawmut’s better building experience across the most complex projects.

Comprehensive preconstruction coordination and upfront collaboration are two key components to maximizing efficiency and eliminating uncertainty across Shawmut’s projects. At UMass Chan Medical School's new education and research building, the team’s collaborative approach alongside partners from ZGF and Fabbrica ensured a seamless design, prefabrication, and installation sequence of the unitized curtain wall.

In total, 1,520 sections were lifted into place, then bolted to the structural steel frame of the building to form the exterior of the 350,000 square-foot, nine-story biomedical research and education complex on the university’s Worcester campus. Additionally, the curtain wall exceeds the state’s building code for thermal performance by 22 percent—a key element to the building’s overall energy performance and sustainability rating, which is aimed at achieving LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

Watch more below.