This 10,000-square foot building is Babson’s newest and most innovative academic center. The Weissman Foundry is an open-door design studio inspiring transdisciplinary innovative collaboration between Babson, Olin and Wellesley College students for the advancement of new or existing projects
Windover led the preconstruction and construction and collaborated with the design team to execute Babson’s vision for the advanced facility. Featuring areas for project work, large and small, this new creative space provides access to workbenches, advanced fabrication equipment, traditional tools, robotics, AR/VR, and sought-after connections to expertise and training.
Preconstruction Coordination to Deliver Complex and Contemporary Design Elements
The facility features several complex and contemporary design elements. With meticulous upfront preconstruction planning, Windover prepared for the successful build of these elements despite facing a condensed, eight-month construction schedule. The stunning building envelope, consisting of the convergence of curtainwall, masonry, and metal panel at every elevation, required tight coordination across multiple trades to execute. Interiorly, Windover facilitated the intricate MEP/HVAC infrastructure, including moveable fixtures, high power loads, and complex ductwork connections, by implementing 3D BIM coordination and prefabrication of selected elements. Set within a wooded landscape, the industrial-looking Foundry has abundant natural light, wood canopies, and a “living roof” that supports the college’s sustainability commitment and is registered with the certification goal of LEED® Silver.
