School of Nursing and Student Community Center
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

Size:
Approximately 200,000 SF

Services Provided:
Structural Engineering Services

Cost:
$40.1 Million

Awards:
AIA Houston - 2005 Honor Award for Architecture
AIA Houston - 2005 Honor Award for Excellence in Sustainable Design
AIA Kansas City - Honor Award for Excellence in Sustainable Design
AIA Kansas City - 2004 Honor Award for Architecture
AIA Kansas - Honor Award
AIA San Antonio - 2004 Honor Award for Architecture
AIA Central States - Merit Award
AIA COTE (Committee on the Environment) Top 10 Green Projects Award for 2006

Description:
The project consists of an 8-level, approximately 200,000 SF facility consisting of a cast-in-place concrete frame and concrete mat foundation. The facility will be a pioneer project for integrated building systems and sustainable design in the Texas Medical Center. By utilizing sustainable design strategies including photovoltaic arrays, green roofs, raised access floors, sunshades/sunscreens, and a rainwater collection system, the building achieved a Gold LEED rating. Jaster-Quintanilla worked closely with the construction manager and the concrete supplier to develop high volume fly ash concrete design mixes and concrete placement strategies to achieve an overall project goal of 50% cement replacement with fly ash. The construction cost limitation was $40.1 million and was completed in 2003. Jaster-Quintanilla provided structural engineering services.