Williams College, Fort Bradshaw Graduate House

Williams College, Fort Bradshaw

Quantum Engineering Co. designed the heating, plumbing, and electrical system upgrades for this 18th century home of President James Madison. The house which was expanded at the turn of the 20th century has undergone a transformation back to its Madison era layout. The house contains an extensive collection of original furniture, papers, and textiles, in addition to the largest artifact, the house. All these artifacts require suitable environmental conditioning.

The project included a geothermal well-field system sized at approximately 20 tons of cooling. A large underground vault (approximately 25’ wide x 55’ long) contains three air-handling units, the electrical distribution equipment, water service, well system pumps, hot water & chilled water pumps, and water-to-water heat pumps. The electrical systems included relocating the high voltage electric service, installation of a new 800 ampere electric distribution system at 120/208V, installation of a back-up generator and life safety/critical system distribution.

This project is included with relevant projects owing to its similar size and complexity as the Vermont State House project

College of William & Mary President’s House Restoration

Challenge:

Quantum Engineering Company was asked to recommend the best mechanical systems option while being sensitive to the building’s fabric and considering the Campus utility and Local utility options.

Project Statistics:

Originally Constructed:  1740’s

Use:  Residence for President of College: R-3

Height:  3-stories plus basement

Area:  Basement : 2128 SF

1st Floor: 2093 SF

2nd Floor: 2093 SF

3rd Floor: 1575 SF

Total: 7889 SF

Source of Heating: Campus Steam System

Source of Cooling:   Local Air-Cooled Chiller (Option 1)

Geothermal Based System (Option 2)

Campus Chilled Water System  (Option 3)

HVAC Distribution Type: Utilize Fan Coil Units (Option 1)

Utilize Central AHU’s (Option 2)

Utilize Central AHU’s VAV (Option 3)

Utilize High Velocity AHU’s (Option 4)

Source of Electric Power: Fed from adjacent Wren Building

Source of Natural Gas: New utility service (directional bore) to serve back-up generator located in garage

Research:

We conducted detailed field investigations to identify prior intrusions and identify extents of original fabric.

Analysis:

We prepared a list of possible mechanical system options and identified advantages and disadvantages of each option.

Quantum Engineering provided the following option matrices and then met with the owner and all stakeholders including facilities staff, maintenance staff, restoration architects, and historic campus advocate. If you are interested in seeing the detailed analysis please review the HVAC system comparison matrices below.

Recommendation:

The selected system type was a hybrid solution that best met the needs of the house and minimized intrusion on the historic fabric.  A high velocity (Unico) system was selected for the 3rd floor, a conventional constant volume, hot water, chilled water system was selected for the lower floors.  A local chiller was provided due to the disruption of trenching that would have been required for connection to the Campus chilled water system.  The heating system was connected to the Campus system since the infrastructure was already nearby.

HVAC System Comparison Matrices (PDF)

Location:  Williamsburg, VA

Siena College, Sarazen Student Union

This project upgraded Siena College’s campus focal point, the Student Union building, to provide a fresh look to its food services and a menu driven by the expectations of students as well as a comfortable area to eat and socialize.  Quantum Engineering Co., PC provided all mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection designs for the renovation.

Location:  Loudonville, NY

Florida Southern College – Frank Lloyd Wright

Usonian Faculty House & Bungalow Gift Shop – Quantum Engineering Co., PC was commissioned to design the MEP systems for the construction of this ~ 1,700 sf house for use as a Camus Visitor’s Center.  The project also included the renovations of an adjacent Bungalow for use as a Gift Shop plus the construction of a water feature on the site.

At the time of its 1939 design the Usonian House did not accommodate modern conveniences such as air-conditioning, telecommunications, and central fire alarm systems. Quantum Engineering Co. worked closely with the architect to integrate the systems to maximize the authenticity of the original design while providing the required functionality for the Campus.

Location:  Lakeland, FL

University of Virginia, Pavilion X

The historic campus of the University of Virginia at Charlottesville contains “The Lawn” and series of student rooms, pavilions, and hotels that are part of the original design by Thomas Jefferson.  All ten (10) Pavilions have been targeted for upgrades including the mechanical and electrical systems, as well as the installation of fire sprinkler systems. Quantum Engineering Co., P.C. was commissioned to design the building systems for the upgrade for Pavilion X.  The building systems met and achieved LEED certification.  We provided the fundamental commissioning services for the project.

Location:  Charlottesville, VA

SUNY Cobleskill – Frisbie Hall

The original Quadrangle of the Cobleskill Campus constructed on or about 1915 included a classroom building on the northside called Frisbie Hall.  This concrete and brick structure has been modified over the years to adapt to the changing needs of educational teaching methods. Most of these changes have been done with little respect to the historic character of the building.  This project will provide a complete rehabilitation of the building and system but doing so in a form that emphasizes its original architectural features. The building achieved LEED Silver rating.

Location:  Cobleskill, NY

Empire State College

2 Union Avenue – Empire State College was rapidly expanding and chose to construct a new sustainably focused building.  This 40,000 sq. ft administration & classroom facility replaces the existing structure that no longer met the needs of the campus.  The HVAC system includes a central chiller plant serving central station air handling units, VAV box distribution, & perimeter fin tube. The electric service includes an 800A, 480v service and distribution system. The building archived LEED Certification with points for energy efficiency, individual control, ozone depletion, carbon dioxide monitoring, & ventilation effectiveness.

Distance Learning Center – The design for this new 45,000 sq. ft. administration building was completed in 2010.  The environmental controls for the building are provided via a geothermal water source heat pump system serving high efficiency horizontal & vertical heat pumps through the building.  Ventilation air is provided with an energy recovery unit controlled with a variable speed drive & a variable air volume distribution system control by distributed carbon dioxide sensors.  Lighting is controlled with occupancy sensors throughout all spaces including offices, collaborative areas and assembly spaces.  The building achieved LEED Silver Certification with points for energy efficiency, enhanced refrigerant management, thermal environment, & water savings.

Location:  Saratoga Springs, NY

The Doane Stuart School

The Doane Stuart School selected an abandoned public school building as their new home and embarked on its transformation into a handsome, inspirational facility to service its unique education mission.

The original building was constructed in the 1930’s and has a distinct art-deco design.  A substantial addition was constructed in the mid 1990’s.

The project converted the building for occupancy by the Doane Stuart School.  Quantum Engineering Co., provided all related plumbing, HVAC, electric, lighting, and fire protection engineering design and construction phase services.  One of the great transformations was the modification of the original 1930’s gymnasium into its new use as an interfaith chapel and meeting hall.

More recently the Doane Stuart School pursued and completed the installation of a “Green Roof” to reduce stormwater runoff and reduce energy costs.

Location:  Albany, NY