Fast Forward Space at R. House

BKM provided mechanical and electrical design services for the tenant fit-out of approximately 9,900-square feet of space within R. House located at 301 West 29th Street. For use by Johns Hopkins University programming, the fit-out is comprised of offices, labs, and support spaces. The renovation project was constructed within an existing building with occupied spaces in all other areas of the building.

Seven wet and dry labs are served by a 100% outside air rooftop unit. Additional spaces included: a shared wet lab space, two conference rooms, 11 offices, copy/print support space, a shared kitchen/pantry, open office spaces, storage space, and IT/LAN room. Designs incorporated central RO water, compressed air, and laboratory vacuum systems, point-of-use acid neutralization at each lab drain, and a gas-fired emergency generator.

Mechanical and electrical designs adhere to Baltimore International Green Construction Code (IgCC) requirements. Glycol run-around loop provides heat recovery to the lab exhaust air for a more sustainable design. Energy analysis was done to prove that the gas-fired hot water boiler for terminal reheat used in the design was the more sustainable and more economical option. Integrated lighting and HVAC controls in both the space and at each exhaust hood to safely reduce lab airflow during unoccupied times and save additional energy and utility costs.

Because the labs were designed to fit the start-up atmosphere of the space, the power systems needed to be robust enough to support the wide range of unique technology and equipment any tenant may need for their specific field. This meant providing in each lab an unusual number of options when it came to voltage configurations, power capacities, and electrical connection locations.

The project was located in an existing, occupied building in an urban setting with a restricted and constrained site. Air handling units, exhaust fans, and natural gas booster fans needed to be carefully located and coordinated with the existing site limits.