Urbana Elementary School Replacement – New Construction
Gipe Associates provided mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems design for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, power, interior lighting, site lighting, and fire alarm systems. Contract administration was provided for our portion of the work; reviewing submittals, participating in progress meetings and site visits, as well as substantial completion inspections.
Urbana Elementary School Replacement began with a prototype design, however was improved upon by designing a hybrid geothermal and air-cooled variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system. The hybrid system is still energy efficient, meeting LEEDv4 Silver standards, but offers a reduced first cost when compared to the full geothermal system, therefore helping to keep the project in budget. The “heat recovery” VRF technology allows for simultaneous heating and cooling to individual spaces. An independent decoupled dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) was provided to condition, dehumidify, and distribution outside air to each space. A BACNET DDC control system was designed to provide full direct digital controls and be tied into the County’s Energy Management System.
The electrical distribution system was configured to accommodate sub system monitoring of HVAC, lighting, plug loads, and kitchen equipment. The electrical system is supported by a 480/277 volts, three phase, four wire service with equipment housed in a dedicated main electrical room. Design required coordination with MEMA so that the facility can be utilized as a post emergency refuge. A portable generator connection was provided at the loading dock, interlocked with the main building service, to support the refuge loads. These include the HVAC system, lighting, receptacles in the gymnasium, cafeteria, kitchen, reception area, health suite, and loading dock. A permanent generator supplies code required life safety loads and other select loads requiring backup for school operation.
Plumbing systems were provided throughout the building, in strict accordance with ADA and other codes. LEEDv4 compliant plumbing fixtures were specified to support water conservation efforts.
Project Type: K-12,