Project Profile: Lubber Run Community Center
This project focused on adding an HVAC system that the community center team could be trained on, so they could take over future maintenance.
Engineering firm: CMTA Inc.
2022 MEP Giants rank: 20
Project: Lubber Run Community Center
Location: Arlington, VA, United States
Building type: Community center
Project type: New construction
Engineering services: Automation, controls; commissioning, retro-commissioning; electrical, power; energy, sustainability; HVAC, mechanical; lighting; plumbing, piping
Project timeline: April 2017 to June 2020
MEP/FP engineering budget: $7,264,000
Commissioning services budget: $22,150
Community center exterior street view. Courtesy: Tom Holdsworth Photography
Community center exterior courtyard / park view. Courtesy: Tom Holdsworth Photography
Challenges
Implementing a new HVAC system that their facilities team was not currently trained to operate. Primarily, the facilities group was comfortable with the heat pumps and central wellfield of the geothermal system but not trained on energy recovery dedicated outside air units (DOAS) and requested to eliminate from the project scope
Community center exterior game courts. Courtesy: Tom Holdsworth Photography
Community center lobby and commons area. Courtesy: Tom Holdsworth Photography
Solutions
The geothermal HVAC heat pump system is an exceptionally well-performing system regarding energy use but also eliminated the cooling tower, chiller and gas-fired boiler, which require extensive maintenance, water treatment and service contracts, so the project team was a strong advocate to reach a solution that the facility team was comfortable with. In creating this solution, the project incorporates a 4-year parts and labor warranty with bi-annual service to maintain the DOAS equipment, allowing time to train staff. When implementing the utilization of new equipment, incorporating a service agreement to allow training is critical to overcome concerns for future maintenance of building systems.
Community center gymnasium and indoor mezzanine track. Courtesy: Tom Holdsworth Photography
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