FAIRFAX, VA The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of the Carolinas recognized the WakeMed North Family Health & Women's Hospital expansion project for innovative use of building information modeling (BIM) to further excellence in every stage of construction. Brasfield & Gorrie accepted the Best in BIM award as part of ABC of the Carolinas' annual Excellence in Construction award ceremony.

Dewberry's mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) professionals helped convert WakeMed North from an existing 109,000-square-foot healthplex into a 325,000-square-foot licensed acute care hospital. The $75-million project was completed in two phases. The first phase focused on a new central energy plant (CEP), while the acute care hospital was designed in phase two. Dewberry designed MEP systems for 61 patient rooms, six labor and delivery rooms, and one C-section room, all with future expansion capacity. The firm engineered MEP systems in six special care nursery beds as well as imaging, lab, pharmacy, dining, and facility support rooms. The project also included MEP system designs for an emergency department and a 280-space parking deck. The healthplex, systems, and services remained in operation throughout construction.

"This project's success was directly related to Brasfield & Gorrie's innovative use of advanced building information technology," said Kristen Puryear, PE, Project Manager with Dewberry. "We're proud to have contributed to this project that will help WakeMed offer world-class service to women and families throughout the community."

The WakeMed North healthplex was built in 2000, the emergency room was added in 2005, and the expansion officially opened in 2015. The project also won the ABC Carolinas' Free Enterprise award, Excellence in Construction award, and the ABC's national Excellence in Construction award for projects $25-100 million.