September 15, 2026
Phased Laboratory Exhaust Upgrade at UMB
Modernizing critical infrastructure in an occupied research facility requires careful planning, coordination, and construction sequencing to maintain operations every step of the way. In the Engineered Systems News article, "Engineering a Phased Laboratory Exhaust Upgrade at the University of Maryland’s Frank S. Bressler Research Building," RMF's Stefan Domby, PE explores the phased exhaust system upgrade at the University of Maryland, Baltimore's Frank S. Bressler Research Building and the engineering strategies that enabled research activities to continue uninterrupted throughout construction.
The Frank S. Bressler Research Building at the University of Maryland, Baltimore is one of the campus's most energy-intensive facilities, supporting laboratories that serve cancer research and other advanced medical programs. After nearly five decades of operation, the building's exhaust and heat recovery systems required modernization to improve reliability, maintainability, energy recovery, and system redundancy.
RMF Engineering developed a phased replacement strategy that allowed the building to remain fully occupied and ventilated throughout construction. The project included the installation of a new manifold exhaust system, rooftop exhaust fans, energy recovery equipment, and heating hot water system upgrades, while navigating the unique challenges of working within an active research environment. This article highlights the importance of construction phasing, multidisciplinary coordination, and long-term system reliability when upgrading critical infrastructure in occupied laboratory facilities.
Read the full Engineering Systems News article here: "Engineering a Phased Laboratory Exhaust Upgrade at the University of Maryland’s Frank S. Bressler Research Building"
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