The TIGER at Princeton University is part of a larger development to improve the entrance to the University’s stadium neighborhood. Comprised of three primary phases: infrastructure upgrades with 30 acres of site development, a new six-story parking garage, and the TIGER building, the projects reshaped the eastern edge of campus. TIGER, an acronym standing for Thermally Integrated Geo-Exchange Resource is a 33,000 SF building that produces hot and chilled water for distribution throughout the main campus.

Using two, 1,750-ton electric heat pump chillers, the distributed water will be used for heating and cooling. The TIGER building features two Thermal Energy Storage (TES) tanks, each with a capacity to store 2.25 million gallons of hot or chilled water that help to meet the thermal demands of campus on a daily basis. The electrification of the thermal water process and the use of geo-exchange technology are critical components of the University’s goal of being carbon neutral by 2046.

The project utilized prefabrication for the primary mechanical systems within the facility. A design-assist partner was engaged early in the preconstruction phase, resulting in the completion of 28 prefabricated components, including skids and pipe racks, offsite. This decision enhanced the overall project timeline and initiated a strong quality control program. Whiting-Turner applied VDC for coordinating the complex utilities in the building, across the project site and for future installations.

Lean techniques, such as choosing by advantages and pull planning, were implemented on the project. An early decision to use a choosing by advantages evaluation allowed Whiting-Turner to select the best possible geo-exchange drilling method, which played a major role in this project’s success. The team worked to explore various options for reduced carbon concrete throughout the project, even navigating the process of including it in the precast parking garage structure. The TIGER building is registered with the goal of LEED® Gold.