The Solutions
The University of Kentucky contracted CMTA to provide engineering consulting services for the design and construction of their new 263,000 square foot Academic Sciences building. Our expertise in energy modeling and Data Driven Design was relied upon to select a mechanical system for the building while maintaining safe laboratory environments. Multiple system options, including chilled beams, were analyzed on a life cycle cost basis. These efforts resulted in changes to the campus standards, creating greatly reduced airflow in the labs during unoccupied hours.
Moreover, the University was interested in achieving energy savings throughout the new building. One of the recurring comments about the previous lab building was that the interior spaces lacked any natural light. Extensive efforts were made to provide a façade design with extensive glazing, 40% of the overall walls, that utilized multiple shading techniques and provided views to the outside while minimizing direct sunlight and reducing thermal loads. The shading techniques incorporated into the design included large overhangs, vertical columns angled to maximize shading, and horizontal slats integrated into the glazing system for critical areas.
Another factor that was important to the University was the learning environment that the building would provide upon completion. The classroom acoustics were a key component for the University, as well as incorporating a great deal of natural light. CMTA was able to design an HVAC system for the lab spaces that provides up to forty air changes per hour – a lot of air flow – while remaining below industry standards for noise generation.