Developed MEP design of a new ground-up 48,000-ft2 multi-level Classroom Wing and Administration Building. The MEP systems included VRF units and heat recovery DOAS units. Creation of a Storm Shelter in the Administration Building meeting the requirements of ICC 500.
This project had minimal space for mechanical equipment. During the schematic design phase, we worked with the architect to locate all equipment. The project also had an open breezeway, which made every classroom have a potential for pressurization issues if not designed correctly. The location of the two-story storm shelter in between two classroom wings presented some challenges for serving it with the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems required by a storm shelter. We gave these challenges to the owner and architect as early as possible to determine whether or not another location for the storm shelter would be more appropriate. Once we decided that the current site was the best for the end user, we worked on creative ways to serve the space. One of the concepts we used was an outside air system that allowed the storm shelter to be serviced from its outdoor air unit or a backup fan using the same outer air duct system.
