Sussex Tech High School Auto & Collision MEP Renovation

Gipe Associates provided mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems design and contract administration for the renovation of the Auto-Tech and Auto-Collison Shops at Sussex Technical High School.  Systems design included HVAC, power, interior and exterior lighting, and fire alarm.  The renovation included two facilities of approximately 10,000sf each. Prior to design existing equipment was evaluated and equipment was relocated/reused where feasible.  It was determined that an existing spray booth, boiler, water heater, solvent recycle station, and welding tanks were in good condition and warranted relocation for future use.

The new HVAC systems included new hot water unit heaters for the garage area, ductless split systems for offices and bathrooms, and a single H&V unit for the main shop.  Energy recovery and demand controlled ventilation were incorporated into the design to provide code required ventilation and economizer free cooling.

Due to the auto- related programming housed in these facilities, specialized systems were required to support the activities and ensure safety of all occupants. Dilution ventilation was designed to supplement the welding booths that already were provided with self-contained filtration units.  Carbon Monoxide sensors were strategically placed and interlocked with relief air fans and ATC system. A complete new duplex compressed air system with a storage tank, coalescing filter, and refrigerated air dryer with all new compressed air piping was provided for the shop.

Plumbing systems design included new potable water expansion tank to be installed on the existing water line, new drinking fountains, emergency wash stations, and new exterior canopy area with a fire protection system.

Electrical design included power and support of all new HVAC equipment, new lighting and controls throughout the facility, solar powered lighting for an exterior sign, photocell controlled exterior wall pack fixtures, new master emergency power cut-off switches at egress doors, and local disconnects for the existing welding machines.

An addition was built to house new electrical and mechanical equipment for both facilities.

Project Type: K-12,