Project Details
Collaboration and Problem Solving Result in Fast Completion and LEED Silver Certification
Houston ISD - Piney Point Elementary
HISD's 2007 bond referendum included the construction of 23 new schools, the renovation of 133 schools and the expansion of four others. One of the new projects in the bond program was Piney Point Elementary on Houston's west side.
Tellepsen's extensive previous experience working with ISDs made it the ideal choice to complete this 112,000 square-foot project on time and in budget. In fact, collaboration and creative problem solving resulted in project completion 64 days ahead of schedule, despite 37 rain delays and other obstacles. On a 12-month schedule, a new facility was built and the existing school was demolished within 10 months, with little to no disruption to the students and faculty, who occupied the existing facility during construction.
"Throughout construction I was continually amazed by how quickly and efficiently the work was being done. Tellepsen did a fantastic job on Piney Point Elementary! We receive comments daily about our beautiful campus, and the children enter this state-of-the-art facility joyfully. Hats off to you and your team for the great positive impact the campus has had on this community."
Mrs. Bobbie Swaby, Piney Point Elementary Principal
According to David McKee, Tellepsen's project executive, the collaboration among the construction crew, the architects and the school's principal was the key to navigating any issues that arose during building. Tellepsen's superindentant Jerry Vertucci developed a strong rapport with the architects and his problem solving skills proved crucial to helping HISD make design and construction decisions, keeping the project moving without delay. A prime example was the installation of the roofing system. The design and construction of the roof was highly complicated and required a great deal of coordination among all parties. With the superintendant's assistance and solid direction, the result was a watertight roof that resisted leakage throughout construction.
Technology also played a part in finishing the project ahead of schedule. All requests for approval of building materials were submitted and returned electronically, making the RFI process much faster than traditional hand delivery.
"Tellepsen is customer driven, very responsive and provides the highest quality of work."
Issa Dadoush, HISD General Manager of Construction and Facilities Services
Safety and quality are always top priority to Tellepsen, and the team on site at Piney Point, supported by Tellepsen's dedicated safety and quality personnel, was evidence of this. Their attentiveness during the preconstruction, construction and demolition phases resulted in zero lost time accidents, an achievement Tellepsen has repeatedly reached more than 5.6 million man hours.
The incorporation of energy saving technologies and green building materials resulted in the facility achieving LEED Silver Certification, meeting requirements beyond basic LEED verification. Tellepsen has extensive knowledge of LEED requirements and was named the number one LEED contractor in Houston by the Houston Business Journal in 2009.
The collaboration and attention to detail demonstrated by Tellepsen on the project led to Piney Point Elementary being the only newly constructed school in the 2007 HISD bond program to be completed prior to the 2010 school year.
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Project Details
- New construction of 112,000 square-foot facility with a 1,000-student capacity
- A design theme centered around the original Piney Point school, which was a one-building structure reminiscent of the one-room schoolhouses once used by sharecroppers
- Abatement
- Laying of new staff parking lot
- Installation of detention ponds
- Creation of play areas
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