Park School Science and Tech Wing

BKM served as the MEP consultant for the Park School Science and Technology Addition. This project consists of an approximately 16,000 SF addition to the existing school facility which will house science classrooms and technology / shops areas. The project also consists of renovations to approximately 2,500 SF of existing space adjacent to the addition.

This project has a goal to obtain net zero energy usage. The new addition consists of four science classrooms and associated prep spaces. It also contains an electrical engineering space, metal shop and wood shop. The engineering and shops areas include the following equipment: welding booths; soldering stations; various saws, mills and other woodworking machines; laser cutters and 3D printers.
The primary HVAC system serving the addition is an air cooled variable refrigerant system (i.e. VRF) coupled with a dedicated outside air system (DOAS) for ventilation. There are multiple fume hoods associated with the science rooms. These hoods are served by variable air volume exhaust fans and associated make-up air system to help meet the energy goals of the project. To limit fossil fuel usage, all HVAC equipment utilized heat pump technology with back-up electric heat where required. The building automation system includes meters to track energy usage to help verify the energy goals of the project are being met.
The electrical distribution system consists of a dedicated 500A, 480Y/277V distribution system separated into branches that supply major load types including lighting, receptacle, shop equipment, and mechanical loads. A 105kW photo-voltaic (PV) system is included as part of the net zero aspect of the project. A digital electrical metering system is included at select areas of the distribution system to monitor general power usage and calculate net zero energy usage. The lighting system consists primarily of direct/indirect LED type lighting fixtures coordinated with the architectural features of the building. Select areas of the building utilize lighting incorporated into the architectural acoustic ceiling panel system. Lighting controls consist of a digital lighting control system allowing for multizone manual and automatic control in most spaces to enhance space usage as well as comply with current energy codes. A voice/alarm type fire alarm system is included in the building.