Commercial Architecture October 2017 - 47

PROJECT
MAINTAINING OPERATION

more than just an energy consideration; it offers precise

"Unfortunately, cancer doesn't take a year off for build-

control for optimal comfort. The kids staying here are

ing upgrades," said Beyer. "Patients and families still

going through chemo and radiation therapy. Some might

needed a place to stay, and the need to maintain a clean,

feel hot while others are shivering. A four-pipe system

quiet building throughout the duration of the project

will allow us to provide heat to one room and air condi-

Circle 10 on the Reader Service Card.

rose above all else."

tioning to the next."

Learn more about Laars Neotherm boilers.

hvac

Want more information? To download
the information listed below, visit
commercialarchitecturemagazine.com/1710laars.

With all rooms full, Beyer, Cafer, and Farrell faced

"Every part of this project has come together perfect-

the monumental task of renovating three systems with-

ly," said Farrell. "The new fan coils are the final element.

out displacing occupants from a single room or letting

This renovation means that for many years to come, the

Read about Reliable Controls BACnet.

comfort levels drop. Their second largest challenge, with-

NYC facility is going to continue serving families in

out a doubt, was working within the small, existing me-

some of their darkest hours." CA

Get information about the New York State Energy
Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

Learn about IntelliGen CHP.

chanical spaces.
"Because the project started in heating season, we
began to demolish the old chillers on the 12th floor
while the existing boilers in the basement remained online," said Beyer. "Meanwhile, the CHP unit, new boilers, and chillers were all rigged to the roof at one time."
Once the old chillers were removed, the CHP and
absorption chillers were installed in time for cooling season, at which point the old boilers were broken down

New ThermaLift System
™

from Varco Pruden

and hauled out. The downstairs boiler room then became a pump room, supplying almost all circulation for
the entire structure. All heat exchangers and DHW production equipment are also located there.
"Farrell wanted the very best equipment money
could buy; efficiency and dependability were his key
concerns," explained Cafer. "Ike and I had to figure out
how to make it all fit."
Given their small footprint, high efficiency, and
Beyer's familiarity with the NeoTherm line, the boiler
selection process was brief.
"We've used Laars boilers for years now, even in conjunction with other CHP projects," said Beyer. "I have
yet to encounter an issue that hasn't been resolved with
a short phone call to the rep, Rathe Associates."
CONTROL AND COMFORT

Over the summer, 2,200 sq. ft. of sidewalks and approach in front of the RMH main entrance were removed and re-poured, but not before PEX was tied
down to provide a snowmelt solution. For this portion
of the project, Rathe donated material, while Integrated
donated manpower to ensure safe winter passage for all
guests entering and leaving the facility.
After walking over the clear sidewalk and into the
building's lobby, visitors can now interact with a screen
that displays all the mechanical components and how
they cooperate to meet the energy needs within the
building. The display screen also shows energy use and
production in real time, courtesy of a full BACnet control system made by Reliable Controls, Victoria, British
Columbia. Among other things, the new controls were
necessary to operate the final component of the retrofit,
which is still in the planning phases and slated to begin
later this year.
"We're looking to replace the existing two-pipe fan

Raises
Roof Performance
Varco Pruden's patented insulation system lifts
SSR roof panels up to 7" above secondary
structurals allowing two layers of blanket
insulation for a U-factor performance as low
as 0.029.
* Cost effective & easy to install
* Meets more stringent energy codes
* Hot-box tested & approved assemblies
* Ideal for new or retrofit installation
With our value-engineered steel framed building systems, recycled material
content and long-life "cool paint" choices, VP Buildings can provide energyefficient structures to reduce operating costs. Innovative products. Advanced
technology. Building solutions for tomorrow today.
For more about VP's ThermaLift Insulation System
for SSR roof, visit www.VP.com/ad/COMARC.

coils with a four-pipe system," explained Beyer. "It's
CIRCLE 215

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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Commercial Architecture October 2017