Interior Building Design Considerations

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General Guidance

In projects entailing partial or full demolition, the University shall retain right of first refusal on all major HVAC and Electrical equipment, and all fixed appurtances / equipment unless otherwise directed. Prior to commencing full or partial demolition of existing structures, the University shall walk the site with the Professional during Design development; and, again, with the successful Prime Contractor just prior to Construction to identify and confirm all items it intends to retain. The Design Professional shall establish a list at each of these points in the project, which shall be used to confirm the University’s intent.

At a minimum, on ALL projects the University shall directly remove and retain the following prior to commencement of demolition:

  • A/V and security equipment
  • Furniture
  • blinds/shades
  • locks/cores

On ALL projects, the Design Professional shall incorporate into the Project manual / specifications the requirements of the success Prime General (Site) and/or Prime Plumbing Contractors (as applicable) to accurately survey and record the actual locations of all new or relocated exterior piping mains, valves, connections, manholes, catch basins, clean outs and invert elevations in the form of surveyed coordinate Coordinate locations should be at the point of exit from the building, at any change in direction, and at least every 10 feet.

Specific Design Considerations

In addition to the specified design program and the general design parameters noted and/or referenced elsewhere herein, the University has established the following specific design criteria which reflect new design preferences and/or ongoing “lessons learned” from previous projects; and, which shall be incorporated into the Project documentation by the Design Professional:

Room Numbering:

Room numbering will be determined by WCU only.  On all new buildings and related capital projects, completed preliminary floor plans will be submitted by the Design Professional to WCU Facilities who will assign numbering sequences in accordance with our prescribed standards.

Gender-Neutral Toilet Facilities:

All new building designs shall incorporate at least one centrally located non-gender single use toilet room into the design of the building. On larger projects, one gender neutral toilet facility can be shall be provided on each floor. Multiple non-gender toilet facilities should be entertained. All larger scale renovation projects shall incorporate one non-gender toilet room into the design of the renovated area if that existing building does not have such a provision in relatively close proximity to the renovated area.

Lactation Stations:

All new building designs the Design Professional shall incorporate at least one (1) centrally located Lactation Station/Area.  In Renovated building projects, the inclusion of a Lactation Station/Area shall be coordinated with the University, and included if that existing building does not have such a provision in relatively close proximity to the renovated area.

Utility Areas:

Whether specifically noted or not in the Design Program, the Design Professional shall incorporate into the project design adequately-sized Mechanical Rooms, Janitor’s Closets, Electrical and Telephone Rooms, Data Rooms, and Storage Rooms in sufficient quantity and at appropriate locations as required to properly service the new / renovated areas.  All special purpose rooms shall be sized to allow for increased equipment space requirements for future inclusion.  In all new buildings, mechanical rooms shall be sized to provide room to store attic stock required by the contract.  (For additional information, refer to sections for “Plant Operations” and “Custodial Services” under Facilities Division located elsewhere herein)

Clocks:

The Design Professional shall provide in all Classroom, Laboratory and non-traditional teaching areas analog clock system permanently wired to the building system. No battery operated clocks will be acceptable. One (1) clock shall be provided in every classroom, laboratory and non-traditional teaching area on a wall perpendicular to the determined “head” wall of each area to ensure that both students and faculty can view the clock face during classroom activities.  In flexible teaching spaces, the University shall determine the location of the clock after consultation with the faculty users

Doors, Windows & Hardware

The Design Professional shall consider the following criteria in designing door/window openings:

The following types of door and window systems will NOT be acceptable for use on University projects:

  • Sliding Metal Doors
  • Sliding Wood doors
  • Accordion Folding Doors
  • Roof windows
  • Wood framed windows

Vision Panels:

  • Vision Panels: Design Professional shall incorporate 6” x 36” vision panels at at every classroom doors.
  • No vision panels shall be provided at office doors
  • Sidelights: None at classroom doors, 12” at office doors

Flush Wood Doors:

Provide solid core flush door doors in all areas, with rotary cut select white birch veneer faced doors for transparent finish, premium grade with Grade A faces.

Design Professional shall specify that the Contractor:

  • Slip match between veneer leaves
  • Balance match veneer leaves between doors
  • Provide veneer match for multiple doors in single opening
  • Provide door faces of compatible color and grain within each separate room or area of building
  • Provide exposed vertical edges of the same species as face – edge type A
  • Unless otherwise required for fire-separation purposes, Design Professional shall specify doors with cores comprised of glued wood stave or structural composite lumber; constructed with five or seven plies; stiles and rails bonded to core, then entire unit abrasively planed before veneering; faces shall be bonded to core using hot press.

Door Hardware:

The Design Professional shall coordinate and review the proposed hardware schedule with the University prior to inclusion in the bid specifications. In general, the Design Professional shall specify:

(NOTE: the inclusion of this proprietary product in the specifications will require that the Design Professional prepare and submit a “sole source” request to PASSHE and/or DGS)

  • Locksets: The following shall govern as the design requirement for ALL campus buildings:
    • Best, Grade 1, Inter Changeable, 7-pin, figure 8 Cores for Coremax patented key system by Best.   http://www.bestaccess.com. NO SUBSTITUTIONS PERMITTED
      93K (2.75” backset), LM “Lost Motion,” 7-pin core housing, 15 lever style (contour angle return), D Rose style (3.5” convex), S3 strike package (4.85” ANSI), 612 (Satin Bronze) or 626 (Satin Chromium Plated) Finish
    • Schlage, Grade 1, Inner Changeable (IC) core, 7-pin, accepting of best IC core. http://www.schlage.com/ . Specify ND-series, “Vandalgard,” Standard 2.75” backset, 7-pin core housing, Rhodes lever style (contour angle return), 3.5” convex Rose style, strike package 4.875” ANSI, 612 (Satin Bronze) or 626 (Satin Chromium Plated) Finish
    • Yale, B-5400LN, Grade 1, “B” Prefix accepting of Best SFIC core. http://www.yalecommercial.com/. Specify B-5400LN Series, F694 latch (2.75” backset), 7-pin core housing, AU lever style (contour angle return), Standard 3.5” convex rose, ANSI 497 Series Strike (4.875” ANSI), 612 (Satin Bronze) or 626 (Satin Chromium Plated) Finish
    • Corbin-Russwin, CL3300 M08, Grade 1, accepting of Best SFIC core https://www.corbinrusswin.com/en. Specify CL3300 Series, B234 latch (2.75” backset), 7-pin core housing, NZD lever style (contour angle return), Standard 3.5” convex rose, 217L13 x 1.25” LTC ANSI ASA Strike (4.875” ANSI), 612 (Satin Bronze) or 626 (Satin Chromium Plated) Finish
  • Lockset Functions
    • Offices: Office function
    • Classrooms: Classroom function with ‘active shooter’ modification. Per memo (1/2015), all classroom door hardware function shall be 9K37T (dormitory) to allow the University to quickly “lockdown” in the event of an intruder. Provide push button latching handle
    • Electrical/Mechanical/Plumbing/Telecom/Janitor/Custodial areas: Store room, D function
  • Panic Hardware
    • Von-Duprin Model 99 – touch bars prefer over cross arms
    • Sargent is not acceptable hardware
  • Automatic Doors
    • Do not use air operated openers; only electrical devices will be acceptable
    • Hardwire from activation buttons to controls – do not use wireless
    • For handicap access door activation buttons, provide both high and low buttons. Bottom activation plate to have its bottom edge between 4” AFF and 6” AFF (Activation buttons do come in different sizes but we try to stay with the nominal 6”x6”). Top of top activation button to be no more than 48” AFF
  • Latch guards are required on all double doors
  • Provide proximity readers at all primary entrances as standard operation; do not use swipe card reader devices

Permanent cores and keys shall be furnished and installed by the University.

Design Professional shall specify that construction cores be furnished and installed as part of the project; and, removed at the completion of work, prior to the University installing the permanent cores.

Keying

All locksets shall be specified to be delivered to the job site with SPECIAL cores; and, that keying is to be will be coordinated and generated in conjunction with WCU lock shop instructions/authorizations

SPECIAL NOTE: ‘BEST’ Lock System: WCU utilizes a proprietary Best lock 7 pin keying system on campus. Key pin sequences for all locks on projects shall be coordinate with the Lock Shop in WCU Facilities Plant Operations. All door hardware shall be specified to be able to accept either a Best or Schlage figure 8, 7 pin core, which shall be the only cores provided.

Interior Woodwork/Casework:

The Design Professional shall specify high quality custom grade architectural wood casework throughout. Pre-fabricated particle-board units will NOT be acceptable. On all units, specify European style concealed self-closing type hinges with polished finish.

Interior Finishes:

  • Design Guidance: The Design Professional shall consider the following criteria in designing/selecting building interior finishes. Finish schedules will be developed in conjunction with the University’s Designers on a project-by-project basis. The Design Professional shall prepare and submit to the University for approval a schedule of finishes accompanied by complete color boards and/or interior renderings reflecting all finishes, color chips, and material samples of scheduled finishes and specified and/or approved alternate materials. All finishes/materials must receive written University approval prior to inclusion in the final bid documents.
  • Section 09 30 00 Floor Tiling: Where ceramic tile is used at floor areas, the installation should be specified to conform with the recommendations of the Ceramic Tile Institute.
  • Section 09 51 00 Acoustical Ceilings: In most areas, the Design Professional shall specify the following ceiling/grids style:
    • 2’ x 2’ or 2’ x 4’ panels, square edge
    • 15/16“ grid
    • Acceptable manufacturers for Ceiling Tile to be incorporated in the specifications shall be Armstrong Cortega 747 Square Lay in 15/16” Prelude Grid; and, USG Radar Basic 2310 Square Lay in DX Grid
    • The Design Professional shall obtain written approval from the University for the inclusion of differing panels and grids sizes, styles or configuration in special locations
    • At all ceilings locations which have mechanical equipment above that will require periodic servicing, maintenance and/or filter changing, the Design Professional shall design the ceiling structure such that it can allow access to the equipment without removal of major ceiling support devices or dismantling and replacement of the ceiling system. In addition, Design Professional shall specify that all access panels be clearly identified.
  • Section 09 65 00: Resilient Flooring
  • Section 09 68 00: Carpeting
    • In general, the Design Professional shall specify carpet tiles in all academic areas requiring carpeting. Broadloom carpet shall only be specified in residential areas or limited administrative areas if approved is provided in writing by the University.
  • Section 09 68 13: Tile Carpeting shall be specified to be provided in the following locations:
    • Residence Halls
    • Classrooms
    • High traffic areas
    • High humidity areas
    • Corridors
      • Material/products: The Design Professional shall specify the following materials for tile carpeting:
    • 33% recycled content minimum
    • Solution dyed nylon fibers
    • Molded rubber waterproof backing
    • Walk-off standard, Tandus Abrasive Action II
      • The Design Professional shall specify the following for tile carpeting:
    • Tandus-01932 Sheffield
    • Backing Construction-ER3-Modular
    • Colors: 43007 Arbor Rose or 43006 Devonfield
  • Section 09 68 13A: Broadloom Carpeting shall be specified to be provided in the following locations:
    • Offices
    • Light traffic areas
      • The Design Professional shall specify the following materials for broadloom carpeting:
    • Tandus-01932 Sheffield 6 foot rolled goods
    • Backing - Powerbond – ER 3 cushion
    • Colors: 43007 Arbor Rose or 43006 Devonfield
    • Walk Off Mats: Tandus Abrasive Action II ER3- Texture. All colors
  • Section 09 72 00: Wall Coverings (To be Provided)
  • Section 09 00 00: Paints and Coatings
    • All interior wall surfaces shall be painted with a semigloss (or “egg-shell”) finish; no flat finish on wall surfaces shall be permitted. Finish for ceilings may be flat except in areas such as toilet rooms, shower rooms, locker rooms, wet-type laboratories, and the like, where a semi-gloss shall be used
  • Paint Campus Standards: Sherwin Williams (basis of design)
    • Wall Colors
      • WCU Standard: Harmony 6502-59104, satin sheen
      • WCU Off White: Off White 5876, eggshell
      • Zurich White 7626
      • Tradewind 6218
      • Bauhaus Buff 7552
      • Silverplate 7649
    • Accent Colors
      • Undersea 6214
      • Nomadic Desert 6107
      • Ruskin Room Green 0042
      • Cityscape 706700
      • Umber 6146
      • Languid Blue 6226
      • Rainstorm 6230
      • Trusty Tan 6087
      • Cordovan 6027
      • Fireweed 6328
      • Butterscotch 6377
      • Retreat 6207
      • Denim 6523
      • Forest Wood 7730
      • New Colonial Yellow 2853
      • Izmir Purple 6825
    • Paint color code for mechanical piping
      • Red, fire protection piping
      • Blue, gas
      • Green, water

Interior Signage

Section 10 14 00: Signage

  • Modular Panel Signs:
    Basis of Design: 2/90 Sign Systems Interchangeable Component Sign System comprised of three primary components: Structural Rail, Copy Inserts, and Interlocking End Caps or frame. Sign to be capable of being arranged in a variety of configurations with a minimum of attachments, devices, and connectors. Interchangeable nature of the system will allow for changes of graphic components of the installed sign, without changing the sign in its entirety
  • Plaques:
    Basis of Design: Cosco2. Industries; Cast Aluminum: www.coscoarchitecturalsigns.com.
    Additional manufacturers which may be specified by the Design Professional as an acceptable manufacturer include Erie Landmark Company, Division of Paul W. Zimmerman Foundries; and, Gemini Incorporated.
  • Sign panel standards
    All Interior Permanent Room panels shall comply with the following provisions for compliance with ICC/ANSI A117.1 and ADA. Characters shall be raised 1/32 inch; and be comprised of upper case and sans serif or “simple serif” type style, with grade 2 Braille. Height: 3/4 inch high, with a width-to-height ratio between 3:5 and 1:1, stroke width-to-height ratio of between 1:5 and 1:10 (based on upper case X). Mounting Height: Characters shall be 48 inches minimum and 60 inches maximum above adjacent finish floor ground surface, Measured from the base line of the characters.
  • Applications:
    Provide a room/door sign at every doorway within design project, whether it has a door or not, not including corridors, lobbies, and similar open areas.
    On DGS Projects only: Provide one DGS Building Plaque at all DGS projects. Mount plaque on outside wall in location indicated on drawings. Plaques shall be aluminum cast metal, min. 1/8 inch thick. Size to be 18 inches high x 30 inches wide. Lettering shall be Helvetica Regular in style. Sign shall be wall mounted using rosette covers with expansion sleeves and bolts.

Wall Protection:

Wall/Corner Guards: Use of corner guards is encouraged. The University basis of design product is 150 BN Bluenose high impact corner guard by Interior Protection Products and Decorative Surfaces.

H. Public Toilet Rooms:

Single user toilet facilities should only be used where multiple compartment facilities cannot be accommodated or as otherwise noted in this manual. (Refer to “General Guidance: Gender Neutral Toilet Facilities”).

  • Unless design criteria requires project to match to existing facilities in adjacent areas, provide multiple compartment toilet facilities to greatest extent possible, comprised of plastic type HDPE material (color through), ceiling or wall supported partitions.
  • Provide clothing hook on inside face of stall and/or room doors

Section 10 28 00: Toilet, Bath, and Laundry Accessories

Toilet Accessories: All toilet accessories must be compatible with the current consumables provided by the current contract in place at WCU. Coordinate design criteria with WCU Project Manager and Custodial Services.

The following items shall be specified as being “Contractor provided, Contractor installed”

  • Paper towel dispensers
  • Trash receptacles
  • Sanitary napkin dispensers/receptacles,
  • Robe/coat hook on toilet stall doors
  • Electric Hand Dryer – Dyson Air Blade

(no substitutions on these items permitted without written permission from the University)

The following items shall be specified as “University provided, Contractor installed”

  • Soap Dispenser, one per pair of lavatories
  • Toilet Seat Cover Dispenser, mount on wall behind toilet if accessible per ADA
  • Toilet Paper Dispenser
  • Diaper Changing Station (to be locate in single occupancy toilet room)

The following items shall be specified as being “University provided, University installed”

  • Soap Dispenser
  • Hand Sanitizer

Equipment

  • Section 11 12 00: Parking Control Equipment
    • Parking Control Device: Consists of operator and controller, provided with control logic for activation by a signal from vehicle detector, car reader, exist verifier, or remote switch. Gate operates with card reader on the inbound side, card reader and/or vehicle detector on the outbound side.
    • Barrier Gates: Federal APD Parking Barrier Gates Model G-90 CD Series or approved equal
    • Control Software: Secure a key or approved equal, must be compatible with existing University parking control software systems.
  • Section 11 xx xx: Window Treatment
    The Design Professional shall specify roller shades at all areas designated for window treatments as follows:
    • Sheer Weave by Phifer Style 4100 with Dow Equilibrium Bio Based Plasticizer

Conveyance Equipment

  • Section 14 20 10: Passenger Elevators

General Design Considerations: In addition to that required for typical passenger use, the Design Professional shall size the elevators to accommodate custodial equipment cart (26"x46") and trash cans, and still have room for passengers. Design Professional shall confirm proposed size of custodial equipment to be used in the area under design, prior to sizing the cab.

  • Acceptable manufacturers to be specified by the Design Professional include:
    • Kencor
    • Kone Inc
    • Otis Elevator Co.
    • Schindler Elevator Corp.
  • In general, the Design Professional shall use the following as a ‘basis of design’ for the elevator:
    • Type: Gearless electric, machine roomless
    • Rated Net Capacity: 4000 lbs.
    • Cab Materials and Finish: Stainless steel, #4 finish, unless noted otherwise
    • Ceiling: Brushed steel finish dropped steel ceiling with six recessed LED lights
    • Flooring: Resilient, specified in Section 09 65 00
    • Handrail: at rear wall, 3/8” x 2” flat tubular steel with brushed steel finish
    • Car Location Indicator: First floor only
    • Miscellaneous: Provide removable wall mats for use by the University
  • Maintenance Agreement: Specify one (1) year, after final acceptance, from the installer