BBI completed multi-building HVAC, plumbing, bathroom, and insulation renovations across five occupied residential buildings within the University of Florida Keys Dormitories complex during a highly compressed summer schedule tied directly to student move-in deadlines.
The project required close collaboration with the owner and design team, accelerated procurement, phased execution, and disciplined field coordination to complete major system upgrades across multiple active residential buildings in just over nine weeks.
THE CHALLENGE
Completing major residential modernization before students returned to campus.
The University of Florida needed to complete significant building systems modernization and interior renovations across five residential facilities within the Keys Dormitories complex during the limited summer break between student occupancy cycles.
The scope included replacement of 60 split-system condensing units and corresponding air handlers, replacement of 60 water heaters, renovation of 120 bathrooms, and installation of new spray foam insulation within attic spaces across multiple occupied residential buildings.
With construction beginning in May and substantial completion required before August student move-in, the project schedule allowed just over nine weeks to complete demolition, infrastructure upgrades, plumbing modifications, HVAC installation, inspections, finishes, and turnover activities across five separate buildings.
The accelerated timeline required early coordination between the owner, architect, and construction team while portions of design development and field coordination continued evolving during preconstruction and early execution phases.
THE BBI APPROACH
Fast-track coordination built around aggressive schedule certainty.
BBI worked closely with the University and design team during preconstruction to identify opportunities to simplify installation, reduce risk, and accelerate execution before construction began.
During constructability review, BBI identified an alternate shower pan installation approach that eliminated the need for significant slab demolition and plumbing modifications. The revised solution reduced structural risk, improved installation efficiency, and compressed the construction schedule without compromising long-term performance.
To maintain progress across all five buildings, BBI implemented a highly coordinated fast-track execution strategy that included:
- Simultaneous multi-building work sequencing
- Accelerated procurement of long-lead materials
- Phased turnover planning
- Extended work hours
- Daily field coordination meetings
- Rapid RFI and submittal coordination
- Manpower balancing across active work areas
- Coordination with University furniture replacement and occupancy preparation
The project also required careful coordination of attic access, HVAC infrastructure replacement, plumbing system upgrades, insulation installation, and bathroom renovations within active residential environments under strict schedule pressure.
PROJECT OUTCOMES
Complex campus housing renovations delivered within a fixed academic deadline.
Through early collaboration, constructability-driven problem solving, disciplined scheduling, and proactive field coordination, BBI successfully delivered the multi-building renovation within the University’s limited summer construction window.
The completed modernization improved HVAC performance, energy efficiency, occupant comfort, plumbing reliability, and long-term residential functionality while ensuring the facilities were fully prepared for fall student occupancy.
