Dallas, TX, January 2, 2012 – Dallas Baptist University’s Joan and Andy Horner Hall has been selected among the outstanding designs in Architectural Portfolio’s 2011 American School & University edition. This publication features the best in architectural design. Designed in a colonial architectural theme by BMA Architects, the $5-million academic building was constructed by FJW Construction.
The two-story, 12,000-square-foot building replicates Congress Hall in Philadelphia, where the US Bill of Rights was ratified and the second inauguration of President George Washington took place. Horner Hall’s structure is composed of steel framing over concrete grade beams, and a slab-on-carton form foundation. The façade consists of brick and cut stone with residential-style door and window openings. Slate facsimile roofing shingles are over the prefabricated light-gauge metal framing and steel decking. The interior has metal stud walls, wood flooring, and ornamental railings.
The building includes a state-of-the-art recording studio, music lab, Communications Department classrooms, and College of Fine Arts faculty offices. The 2,400-square-foot recording facility on the first floor is the centerpiece of the university’s music business degree program. It includes two sound stages, a main control room, in addition to postproduction mixing and editing rooms. The building also has a video engineering/editing production room and student lounge.
FJW already had a presence on campus for DBU’s other projects. This allowed FJW to utilize subcontractors who are already familiar with campus standards and combine subcontractor personnel who are already on campus. These strategies eliminated additional mobilization costs and reduced overhead by sharing expenses between projects. Construction involved underground utilities, earthwork, site concrete, asphalt paving, and elevated slab above-grade buildup.
FJW coordinated with BMA Architects, the building designer, and Russ Berger Design Group, the studio designer, for a seamless transition in construction. FJW reviewed and took actions on the detailed inspection reports provided by Russ Berger. Furthermore, FJW used quality subcontractors who were familiar with Russ Berger’s design and installation requirements. FJW encountered a challenge with existing underground utilities at the cooling tower site. The construction manager proposed a redesign and alternate layout for the cooling tower. FJW also proposed a temporary generator usage to maintain project progress, while the cooling tower redesign took place. These actions saved time and enabled the interior finishes to continue. In addition to providing value engineering for the HVAC/cooling tower system, FJW also provided alternate interior finishing recommendations.
FJW helped build an academic building with stellar music learning facilities. This building provides students with access to modern production tools within a professional suite of studios, control and editing rooms. Dallas Baptist University’s music education students can be educated media creators who can readily contribute to the ever-evolving media industry.
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