The University of New Hampshire Planning, Design and Construction Guidelines is intended to provide general instructions to designers in the planning and preparation of construction documents, as well as general guidance to construction professionals working on projects for the University. The purpose is to ensure a minimum standard of quality, durability, consistency, maintainability, and sustainability in building and infrastructure design and construction. The information collected here clarifies what is unique or different about construction at the University as compared to other projects that designers and contractors typically work on.
The Guidelines are a baseline that allow for the introduction of new methods, systems, and materials for consideration by the University due to specific constraints, opportunities, or conditions of a specific project. It is expected that any alternatives will be proposed before the completion of Design Development. The documents are not to be used as specifications for projects, but are to be incorporated, as appropriate, into the specifications for each University project. Nothing in The Guidelines shall preclude or take precedence over compliance with applicable codes, regulations, requirements, mandates, or laws of the State of New Hampshire or the federal government. This is intended to be a living document that evolves through continual review and updates as needed. The Guidelines will be made available by Web access and it is expected that designers will utilize the latest version available at the time a project proceeds with Schematic Design.
WHILE EVERY EFFORT IS MADE TO MAKE THE GUIDELINES COMPLETE AND COMPREHENSIVE, THERE ARE ALWAYS ELEMENTS THAT NEED FURTHER CLARIFICATION OR THERE IS NEW INFORMATION THAT HAS YET TO BE INCLUDED. THE GUIDELINES DO NOT RELIEVE THE DESIGNERS FROM THE RESPONSIBILITY TO PROVIDE COMPLETE, ACCURATE, AND QUALITY CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS TO MEET OUR NEEDS AND EXPECTATIONS.
The UNH Planning, Design and Construction Guidelines is organized in chapters that follow the sequence of the project process. Chapter 1, General Principles, addresses several planning guides or master plans that describe the University’s design goals and intentions. Chapter 2, Project Process, provides requirements for developing a typical project and the products that are expected along the way. Chapter 3, University Planning Standards, delineates the University’s expectations and considerations for some of the major design elements and functions of most projects. Chapter 4, Supplemental Project Requirements (under development), contains information on specific protocols and processes unique to the University environment. Chapter 5, Technical Construction and Renovation Standards, is a constant resource to designers from Design Development through the completion of Construction Documents and Specifications. It is organized in the CSI format.
The University of New Hampshire has made a commitment to achieve the equivalent of “LEED” silver for new construction and major renovations, including the formal commissioning of each new project. The University Planning, Design and Construction Guidelines incorporate the University’s strategies, standards, and methodology to fulfill this commitment. It is believed that The Guidelines alone provide the equivalent to at least a LEED basic certified level. So, each new project will be expected to develop a set of sustainable design objectives specific to that project, above and beyond what is in The Guidelines.
Request for Changes
To suggest changes to the UNH Planning, Design and Construction Guidelines, please send an email to Facilities.control.center@us1788.com
Please include the following information:
- In the Subject line: UNH Planning, Design and Construction Guidelines - Initial Change Request
- In the body of the email, please include the specific standard you wish to revise. Cite chapter, section and other notation within the chapter. Please also include page number. (Example: Chapter 5, Section 26500 2.1.D, page 265)
- Provide the specific language as it is in the standards currently and then your modification to this language.
- Please include a brief rationale for this change.Any proposals to limit selection to a single manufacturer must include a justification for such a restriction. Generally two or three acceptable manufacturers, rather than a single source, is our goal.
- Please provide any supporting documentation, if available, to understand the details of the proposed change.
The Planning, Design and Construction Guidelines committee will review all requests and will routinely notify you when the changes have been considered. Thank you.
