Xavier University - Conaton Learning Commons in New Hoff Academic Quad

Cincinnati, OH

Mason Contractor: Ollier Masonry, Inc.
Architect: Shepley Bulfinch Richardson and Abbott, Inc.
General Contractor: Messer Construction
Suppliers: The Belden Brick Company
Owner: Xavier University

Wall System: Cavity Wall: Brick Veneer/Steel Stud

Project Description

The Hoff Academic Quad at Xavier University Campus is a redevelopment of land on campus. The Conaton Learning COmmons building is one phase of the redevelopment project the building provides high-tech learning spaces and research capabilities for all students

The building is a structural steel frame with light gauge framing for the exterior back-up wall. The owner and designers were looking for the ultimate enclosure. They chose to go with a spray applied foam insulation. The spray foam insulation was applied to the exterior side of the densglass and masonry wall ties were installed before the foam insulation.

The masonry veneer consists of 210,000 modular blend #8530 Belden Brick and 1,180 pieces of pre-cast produced by Baxter Pre-Cast/Cast Stone. The building includes detailing that we do not typically see in the Midwest anymore, due to cost constraints. The many different ins and outs of the brick along with pre-cast accent pieces proved to be a challenge during installation. All windows are picture framed in pre-cast. A 35 ton crane was utilized during most of the project to service the hydraulic scaffolding and setting of the pre-cast. The owner took possession of the building as scheduled and classes began with the fall semester of 2010.

Date of Project Completion: July 2010

Photography by Paul Oldham