Welch Hall is home to the University of Texas at Austin’s chemistry and biochemistry departments. The Hall is one of the largest buildings on campus, consisting of three wings with 60 faculty research labs and several 500-seat classrooms and a library, totaling over 400,000 square feet. The Welch Hall renovation will modernize aging science facilities through a complete interior renovation that will also provide large social spaces to facilitate the exchange of ideas and the sharing of knowledge.
The design replaces the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, including custom air handling units sized to fit into the profile of the existing clay tile roof dormers. The project also involves replacing a 15KV Medium Voltage substation that feeds Welch Hall and the surrounding buildings on campus. The West Wing Renovation includes a combination of low, medium, and high fume hood-intensive chemistry research labs; chemistry labs supporting the UT Freshman Research Initiative; and a 100-seat, flexible, technology-enabled, and problem-based learning studio. Rosendin’s scope of work includes electrical, telecommunications, and fire alarm systems.