The new dormitory at Mt. Ida College was designed with mechanical, electrical and fire protection engineering services for 32,000 square feet of space. The project included a geothermal energy design which required installation of vertical piping wells to utilize the earth’s natural soil temperature to provide condenser water to individual ground source water heat pumps throughout the building. The ground source heat pump system eliminated the need for a boiler plant that utilizes fossil fuel and an air cooled chiller located on the roof that utilized electricity to produce cooling. Also included was a solar energy design which required the installation of solar panels, piping systems and controls. Approximately 80 square feet of solar panel was required for every kilowatt of solar energy.
Architect: Finegold Alexander Architects
Engineering Services Provided: Mechanical, Electrical, Fire Protection, Energy Conservation/Green Build, Project Management, Construction Administration
