San Juan USD, Bella Vista High School Science Building

One of San Juan Unified School District’s first signature projects as part of the District’s $350 million Measure N bond program was the addition of a next generation science wing to support Bella Vista’s top high school science program. The Bella Vista project was an exciting renovation of two existing buildings (shop wings J and H) transforming them into a state-of-the-art science wing that includes 11 classrooms and labs supporting the STEM program – chemistry, physics, engineering, CAD drafting, anatomy and biology classes. The most unique feature of this project is a 10,000 SF “flexible learning” space being created by the placement of a roof between the two existing wings. This space, fully enclosed and conditioned, has provided room for any number of uses including teacher preparation, student collaboration and more.

The district’s implementation of a Commissioning (Cx) and Quality Assurance (QA) process is an important element assisting to achieve this goal. The Cx/QA process is designed to focus on major building systems including envelope, mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. Specified design and performance validation of materials, components, equipment and assemblies help to ensure the operational and life cycle objectives of the district are achieved. This effort culminates with constructing healthy, reliable, operationally economical new facilities that exceeds the California’s Title 24, Part 6 energy requirements.

San Juan USD hired 3QC to assist with the development and implementation of the Cx/QA program. ASHRAE Guideline 0, The Commissioning Process and NIBS Guideline 3, Building Enclosure Commissioning Process BECx was utilized by 3QC as the foundation for creating this program. Ideally the Cx/QA process starts in the pre-design phase and continues through construction completion.3QC’s involvement with the Bella Vista’s science wing project began after the project was approved by DSA and construction had begun. Due to 3QC’s late project involvement work began by conducting an initial Title 24 commissioning meeting. In addition to reviewing Title 24 MEP commissioning processes the meeting included a review of building enclosure systems Cx/QA processes. 3QC collaborated with the District’s MEP Cx Agent and focused on building enclosure systems, lighting and landscape irrigation. Site observations, attending pre-installation meetings, building enclosure water test plans, submittal reviews, onsite water testing and the final Cx Report were included in 3QC’s scope of work. The Cx Report summarizes documentation from MEP, building enclosure and irrigation systems.