West Newton, MA Returning for their third project together, Erland Construction, Riser11, and CBT Architects were selected by The Fessenden School, an independent boys’ boarding and day school, to transform 12,275 s/f of an existing academic building into a new Science Center. The reconfigured and redesigned center provides a highly flexible and collaborative learning environment to support the ever-evolving needs of Fessenden students.

“We’re proud to have partnered with Fessenden, Riser11, and CBT Architects to support the school’s growing academic needs,” said Steve Craft, academic group manager, Erland. “Our team felt great satisfaction in transforming this space into a state-of-the-art science center where students will be able to create, innovate, and collaborate for years to come.”

The new Science Center houses classrooms, an exploration lab, a central gathering area, and multiple breakout spaces designed to provide students the opportunity to focus, create, and collaborate. Construction was completed in phases to accommodate the additional shoring, new footings and slab required to renovate the space. The scope of work also included the installation of a new VRF system, lighting, ceilings, flooring, a lab fume hood and associated casework, rolling glass partition walls, custom millwork, painting, and a retaining wall as well as the completion of two new restrooms.

“Success is always driven by people, and the teams that Erland assembled for this project is unrivaled in my personal experience,” said Mike Grossman, chief operations officer, Fessenden School. “Not only were they a true pleasure to partner with but their ability to also problem-solve and work collaboratively with us, our architects, owner’s representatives, and other consultants allowed for timely and cost-effective solutions which was greatly appreciated. Without such an approach, the project would not have been a success.”

Erland took great care in mitigating any disruption to Fessenden’s campus which remained occupied throughout construction.