PROJECT: Two New 35,000 Sq-Ft Student Dormitory Buildings for the Department of Labor.
LOCATION: Red Rock, Pa
COMPLETION DATE: January 2006
SERVICES: Building Systems Engineering

The HVAC system consists of a four (4) pipe fan coil system, which utilizes hot water for heating and chilled water for cooling. A air-cooled chiller provides the chilled water, and a natural gas boiler plant provides heating hot water to the fan coil units.

The new control system shall be an (DDC) system complete with a central computer, printer, software, building management panels and unit level stand alone panels. The system shall be a networked based open protocol communication system. It shall connect into the Internet through the use of a dedicated phone line and modem. Independent stand-alone control panels shall be provided for each air handling unit, boilers, chillers, fan coil, etc. The DDC system shall perform all start/stop functions, temperature reset, valve and damper control, monitoring and trend logging.

The building systems plumbing design included a new central well pumping system, building sanitary and vent systems including effluent grinder pump station, building domestic water distribution system, central domestic hot water distribution system, LPG fuel gas piping system, and plumbing fixtures.

The fire protection system design generally consisted of wet pipe sprinkler system coverage throughout the building utilizing quick response sprinklers in accordance with NFPA-13 and NFPA-13R.

The electricity for each dormitory is powered through oil-filled pad-mounted transformers and propane generators are employed to provide stand-by power for critical building loads. Emergency life-safety power utilizes battery units for standard egress lighting. Fail-safe fluorescent lighting fixtures were utilized in all dormitory rooms along with recessed fluorescent fixtures in lounge, laundry, and study areas. The buildings were designed with complete fire alarm systems and limited security features. Resident Administration offices maintain complete control of all common space lighting.