Acella completes Thayer Academy project

Acella Construction Corp. completed renovations to the classrooms and mechanical systems at the middle school of Thayer Academy. "The classroom renovations included the alteration of the art studio complete with new millwork and finishes," said Anthony Dirubbo, project manager at Acella. "We created a new learning center in a previously unused space. In addition to the cosmetic upgrades, we layered the ceilings to increase the acoustical separation between floors." Acella Const. also completed renovations to the middle school mechanical systems. Acella removed the existing steam/hot water system and replaced with a new hot water boiler system. All of the existing steam systems were removed and replaced with new unit ventilators with provisions for air conditioning that can be added at a later date. The new systems provide fresh air to all of the spaces, along with a new exhaust system to increase air changes. Steve Ceglarski of the Wyatt Group served as the project manager and owner's representative. Boston-based Eck MacNeely Architects, Inc. was the project architect. Founded in 1877, Thayer Academy is an independent, college preparatory day school for boys and girls in grades 6 through 12, and is located on a 34-acre campus of eight buildings and 54 classrooms in Braintree, Mass.