New Student Housing, 55 H Street, NW

BKM provided MEP design services for a new twelve-story residence hall and support spaces. The building was provided with full HVAC air conditioning. The residence area mechanical systems are designed to accommodate the building’s limited available service spaces by utilizing a dedicated outside air unit for ventilation along with variable refrigerant flow (VRF) units for direct conditioning. Careful consideration was given to integrating MEP systems with the architectural elements of the building’s main entryway and meeting room areas. Academic spaces and parking are located on the Ground Floor.

Each wing of each floor is served by a VRF condensing unit, for a total of fourteen condensing units. This allows sharing of heating and cooling loads via the heat recovery system. Ceiling-mounted VRF cassettes were provided throughout the building for space temperature control. VRF indoor units serving 4-bedroom suites and larger common areas were provided with insulated low-pressure supply ductwork. A pair of ducted VRF cassettes were provided for each typical 4-bedroom suite. A stand-alone air handling unit AHU-1 serves the Penthouse Fitness Center and Commons Lounge. This unit has a direct-expansion cooling coil and gas-fired furnace. The electrical systems include a new gas-fired generator on site and all new 460-voltage power distribution and electrical equipment service yard. A new dedicated fire pump was provided to provide full sprinkler coverage to the building. The project is expected to achieve LEED v4 Platinum certification.