2024 Project of the Year Silver Winner: Vivo Architecture and BW Kennedy & Company collaborate to deliver Electric Hydrogen’s new gigafactory

The NEREJ reached out to the Electric Hydrogen team as the runner up for the 2024 Project of the Year! Below is a Q&A with Adam Dufault of BW Kennedy and Matthew O’Brien of Vivo Architects:

What is your firm’s reaction to receiving this recognition?
Adam Dufault: Being recognized for this award is a huge honor especially for such a unique project. A lot of hard work and dedication went into this project not only from the subcontractors who performed the work, but by the owner Electric Hydrogen who helped facilitate the design and process development of the space. This project was a success due to the constant and ongoing collaboration between BW Kennedy & Co and its design team, Vivo Architects, Goldstein Milano Structural Engineering, Impact Fire (Fire Protection sub), North Shore Mechanical (Plumbing sub), Environmental Systems (HVAC sub), and Nappa Electric (Electrical sub).

What were the main challenges of this project, and how did you overcome them?
Adam Dufault: The main challenge on this project was the schedule and major milestones from the client due to outside investors and company obligations. This was overcome by sequencing the job in a way that allowed us to fast-track certain spaces in the building for an early turnover to the client. The hard work and attention to detail by the subcontractors allowed us to complete the work on time and turn spaces over for client use ahead of the final turnover of the building.

What factors contributed to making this project such a success?
Adam Dufault: This project was such a success due to subcontractor buy-in on the schedule and the milestones set in place. This allowed us to man the job with the correct personnel to execute the work in a timely fashion. Another reason this project was such a success is due to the collaboration with the design team during MEPFP coordination. Extensive effort was put into this at the beginning of the project to minimize the clashes and rework during construction which made the workflow efficient once install started.

What is your firm’s reaction to receiving this recognition?
Matthew O’Brien: VIVO Architecture is honored to have received this award. It’s a testament of our teams hard work and dedication to success, and would not have been possible without the partnership of a great construction manager, developer, and client.

What were the main challenges of this project, and how did you overcome them?
Matthew O’Brien: The project was divided into two Phases so that Phase I be up and running to receive funding for Phase II. This was challenging in many ways, including project management, scope organization and construction administration. Fortunately, VIVO’s expertise in managing complex projects and close collaboration with Construction Manager BW Kennedy Construction ensured a smooth transition of phases. During value engineering exercises, some design elements including greenery walls, custom wallcoverings, acoustic panels, and digital graphic displays were removed from the construction budget. Some of these items will be installed on day two and post construction by Electric Hydrogen.

What factors contributed to making this project such a success?
Matthew O’Brien: EH2’s values are: Get It Done, Stronger Together and Be Bold, Be Open. Elements of these values are incorporated into the two-story building with a welcoming Lobby/ Reception space with open stairs connecting the two floors and opening into a large, natural light-filled Town Hall and Museum space. The Town Hall features a kitchen and coffee bar, furnished with dining tables and soft seating, and acts as a space for large gatherings and events for the facility’s 110 employees. The open office plan allows for interaction and collaboration and has direct views and access into manufacturing.