Chapel Hill REACH Building, NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT

VALUE DELIVERED

With EMCOR Services New England Mechanical’s (NEMSI) extensive design/build expertise, they were selected as the mechanical contractor of choice early in the design process for Chapel Haven’s 4-story, 32,500 square-foot REACH buildingHGHave. NEMSI identified various energy efficiency options for the campus that featured conceptual designs, budgets, and operating costs. To meet the client’s objective, NEMSI determined that the micro-scale cogeneration approach was the most costeffective and efficient option. The heat generated by the micro cogeneration units will help heat two buildings simultaneously while offsetting some of the campus’ electrical costs.

The REACH building opened on schedule and is boasting excellent occupant comfort. Engaging NEMSI during the early phases of the project was vital to achieving the project schedule and providing efficient and cost effective building mechanical systems. NEMSI has been contracted to work with the same project team on the second phase of this project.

CLIENT OBJECTIVES

The client was seeking a self-performing mechanical service provider to install HVAC and plumbing systems into the newly constructed REACH building. The building is a residential and educational facility consisting of high-tech classrooms and three upper floors of dormitory-type suites.

Key project goals included securing a contractor that would adhere to a strict schedule, remain within budget, and identify methods to enhance the overall energy efficiency of the campus.

PROJECT SOLUTIONS

In addition to completing the required mechanical installations for this multi-phase project, NEMSI was selected by the project’s architecture firm to provide design assist, estimating, and construction methodology review. The scope of work completed was self-performed, and included converting the original air-cooled VRF system to a watercooled VRF system and installing the refrigeration piping, ducted indoor fan coils, insulated distribution ductwork, and control system. In addition to installing two condensing boilers for space heating and domestic hot water heating, NEMSI was diligent in providing regular mechanical budget updates.

Throughout the project, NEMSI recommended alternative approaches and solutions that would better meet the strict project acoustic performance goals necessitated by the residents' disabilities. NEMSI advised that the original design of installing the VRF fan coils horizontally would hinder access to the units. Working with the architectural design team, small rooms with doors where vertical units could be installed, rather than horizontal, were constructed. The project schedule would not allow for the project engineer to revise their drawings to incorporate changes. Instead, NEMSl's design/build experience was called upon to incorporate the changes through the project engineer's review of the equipment submittals and coordination drawings prepared by NEMSI. This approach proved vital to meeting the project schedule during coordination.

CLIENT BACKGROUND

Chapel Haven Schleifer Center, Inc., located in the heart of New Haven, Connecticut, is a nationally recognized private special education and transitional living program that teaches adults with cognitive and social disabilities how to live independent lives.

OPERATING COMPANY:
EMCOR Services New England Mechanical (NEMSI)

CLIENT:
Chapel Haven Schleifer Center, Inc.

ARCHITECTURE & PLANNING FIRM:
The S/L/A/M Collaborative

PROJECT DURATION:
9 Months

		New Construction
		Retrofit
		Electrical Construction
		Mechanical Construction
		Facilities Services
		Consulting Services
		HVAC Services
		Energy Solutions