Indianola, IA
A master improvement plan for the high school, developed by Shive-Hattery, indicated a need to improve the learning environment. Top issues included high noise levels from fans in the classrooms, uncomfortable temperatures on hot and humid days, vibrations due to antiquated mechanical equipment, and insufficient electrical power to support the needs of current education technology. The plan included four phases in order to meet the district's primary objectives in a timely manner and stay within budgetary constraints.
In phase one, Shive-Hattery designed a central distribution plant for new mechanical and electrical equipment. The new plant combined five electrical services into one service, which reduced energy costs throughout the school. The project also involved design services for the replacement of six air handling units and the design of a new 16-million-BTU central heating plant and 820-ton central chilled water-cooling plant. The new cooling plant includes a primary/secondary distribution system with variable speed pumping. The air handling systems were converted from direct expansion to chilled water. Some air handlers were also converted from dual duct constant volume to variable volume systems. This project also included a new heating, ventilating, and air conditioning infrastructure, renovation of 217,000 square feet and an addition of 2,240 square feet. Future phases will be considered as budget and time permit.
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tags: high school, sustainable design