on view
Wayne and Kay Woolsey Hall, Wichita State University
Wayne and Kay Woolsey Hall, the new home of the W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University’s Innovation Campus, is a 135,000-square-foot, three-story facility with a partial fourth-story mechanical penthouse. Built with steel and metal stud framing, the structure features an exterior of zinc and composite panels, large windows, and curtainwalls for natural light.
A key lighting highlight is the Wheat Wall located outside the Frank A. Boettger Auditorium. Motion sensors control RGBW linear fixtures from Insight Lighting that graze a textured specialty wall. As occupants move through the corridor, the lighting pattern moves and shifts, creating the illusion of waving wheat, mimicking the movement of the wind speed outside and colors that reflect the time of day. The 300-seat auditorium includes unique ceiling and lighting designs with in-wall fixtures from Focal Point and downlights from HE Williams.
Wayne and Kay Woolsey Hall blends modern design, sustainability, and top-tier lighting. The manufacturers involved were Fluxwerx, Focal Point, HE Williams, Cooper Neoray, Insight, Louis Poulsen, OCL, Sternberg, and Wattstopper. Mercer Zimmerman provided lighting and lighting control solutions to enhance form, function, and appearance of the newest addition to the Wichita State University campus.
The Players:
General Contractor: Dondlinger Construction
Architect: Gastinger Walker Architecture
Electrical Contractor: Atlas Electric
Engineer: IMEG
Civil/Landscape: MKEC Wichita
insight to light
Create Stunning, Flexible Interior Spaces Where People Want to Be
An Interview With Chad Thacker, president, Built Solutions
What does Built Solutions do?
We create and install exceptional, pre-fabricated modular interior spaces using DIRTT and other products. Our team has expertise in design, renovation, and project management, which enables us to provide innovative solutions for commercial spaces in ways that exceed our clients’ vision and needs.
The possibilities to customize and elevate commercial interiors are endless through the products and technology we offer. There’s definitely a “wow” factor, and it’s really fulfilling to hear our clients say that we helped them create the kind of environment that their employees want to work in and that customers want to visit.
What settings are particularly conducive to what Built offers?
Corporate offices, healthcare facilities (hospitals, medical offices, etc), higher education institutions, and government offices can all benefit from the beautiful, functional interiors that we provide.
What are the benefits of DIRTT?
DIRTT products offer many advantages over traditional construction. Flexibility is one – with DIRTT walls, you can easily adjust and reconfigure office spaces as needs evolve—whether it’s changing the layout, colors, adding technology or electrical, etc.
Another benefit is predictability. DIRTT walls and components are pre-made in the factory to exact specifications, so there’s no need for change orders or adjustments on-site. This results in more control over the whole process—from cost to supply chain to installation.
Our products are sustainable because most of the materials are recyclable. And they are cleaner—you won’t find drywall dust during a DIRTT installation, for example. Finally, because of the precise pre-fabricated process involved, there is much less waste that goes to a landfill than on a traditional construction site.
What services does Built provide?
First and foremost, we have designers on staff who use DIRTT’s ICE software to produce 3D renderings of interior spaces, which can be adjusted in real-time for clients. Once the design is approved, we provide project management throughout the process – from taking on-site measurements to ordering materials, hiring and overseeing installers, and being present and available when needs arise. If building owners, architects, general contractors, and others are looking for an end-to-end solution for interior spaces, Built is that partner.
What current or recent projects are you especially excited about?
We’re finishing up all of the interior offices for Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s new headquarters in downtown Kansas City, which has been a very rewarding project. Others include the Kansas Health Foundation and Horizons Mental Health Center.
Mercer Zimmerman and Built Solutions have partnered to provide more seamless solutions for customers who are creating beautiful, functional spaces. Whether it’s lighting and controls or interior rooms, we are your one-stop resource. Contact your Mercer Zimmerman representative to learn more!
fact-ology
The A: Because it’s 1,000 times too weak for the naked eye to see.
The Q: If humans emit light, why can’t we see it?
Our bodies give off tiny light particles called biophotons, which are produced by natural chemical reactions in our cells. These reactions happen all the time as our body uses energy, especially when oxygen is involved. However, this glow is so weak that it’s about 1,000 times too dim for our eyes to notice. Scientists have special cameras that can capture this light, revealing that we shine brightest in certain areas, like our face, hands, and chest. Our glow is the strongest in the afternoon. This is when our metabolism is most active, and our bodies are working hard to produce energy. Even though we can’t see it, our bodies are constantly glowing!
While we humans may glow, we still need help from fixtures to light up our spaces! Reach out to Mercer Zimmerman for your lighting and controls needs.
lighten up
Chiefs 3-Peat Fails But MZ’s Team Spirit Prevails!
Super Bowl LIX didn’t go the way Kansas City Chiefs fans hoped, but Team Mercer Zimmerman in our Kansas City office enjoyed being together at our pre-game party on Friday, Feb. 7. We offer our congratulations to the Philadelphia Eagles—and specifically to their super fan, Greg Keil with Isolite. There was a time not too long ago (two years to be specific) that the tables were turned, and Greg had to don a Chiefs jersey after losing a bet. We remember this photo fondly!