Gipe Associates is performing mechanical and electrical engineering for a new 24,500 SF community recreation center located on Queenstown Road in Wheaton, Maryland. The facility consists of typical elements such as a gymnasium, exercise room, social hall, kitchen, senior/community lounge, arts/kiln room, game room, vending space, conference room, offices, lobby, rest rooms and storage spaces. Other features include play fields, courts/games areas, playgrounds and parking. Services include concept design, schematic design, design development, construction documents and construction administration. All design was in accordance with Montgomery County standards and specifications for commissioning.
The mechanical and electrical systems were designed to achieve a U.S. Green Building Council LEED™ Certification. To achieve such a rating the mechanical and electrical systems incorporate designs focusing on Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere and Indoor Environmental Quality criteria as addressed by U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Rating System.
- Geothermal heat pumps (renewable energy source) using environmentally friendly refrigerant (CFC reduction).
- use of heat recovery
- non/low emitting materials/VOC’s in mastics, insulation etc
- commissioning
- humidity and temperature control for each space
- optimize energy performance using variable speed drives for pumps and fans, night time pre-cooling etc
- carbon dioxide monitoring and control (demand controlled ventilation)
- IAQ plan before occupancy to flush out building
- water reduction by using waterless urinals, low/high flush valves, sensor operated faucets, low flow aerators
- measurement and verification through the use of the building ATC/EMS system
- IAQ by using dedicated outdoor air systems
