HVAC and Mechanical Consideration for Mixed-Use Building Design
In the present-day real estate market, commercial buildings have become more mixed-use buildings. Providing not only commercial business spaces but also residential spaces. These improvements bring forth changes in MEP designs and HVAC systems. The need for a heating and cooling system that can accommodate both commercial and residential activities.
Having an HVAC system in place is always important. HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. It is the system responsible for regulating the temperature in a building. It is also responsible for its air quality.
There are some principles to follow when carrying out HVAC designs. Principles like the factors determining the size and capacity of the system installed. Also, the basic theory of system operation. Understanding these basics is important even when it comes to a mixed-use building.
These are the reasons most homeowners prefer having a mixed-use architecture firm handle their MEP designs. Go only for the best mechanical engineering services and more tips. Contact S3DA design firm.
HVAC and Mechanical Consideration
Before kicking off a project it is normal to make a consideration between a couple of things. It helps you make the right decision. For mixed-use buildings, mixed-use architecture firms go through the same process. As long as it involves mechanical engineering and MEP design, there are always things to consider.
Zoning:
Zoning is important in the HVAC systems for mixed-use buildings. When it comes to zoning, there are some things you should have in mind. The zoned building needs to have high-level insulation. Each level of the zone should own similar zoning designs.
The zoning should be in a way that it’ll be easy to carry out repairs or modifications. Also, be in the most cost-effective ways. In zoning, the effective design contains a smaller number of zones and even fewer thermostats.
Important points:
When zoning occurs in mixed-use buildings, it is important that each zone has an equal size and area. Especially a zonal system with many stories. This takes place because it’s quite difficult to duct small zones. Plus, a small zone means it will be somewhat difficult to carry out repairs or modifications when required.
Top-class mixed-use architecture firms ensure all zones have separate branch ducts. These separate branch ducts have a connection to the central duct of the HVAC system. There always appears to be a damper at each branch end in their various zones.
Ducting:
In MEP designs or even mechanical engineering, there is common knowledge. Everyone knows that dampers are controlled by thermostatic sensors. Sometimes, the sudden closing of the damper can cause back pressure. This can damage the HVAC system.
Upsizing the damper can help prevent this damage a whole lot. This process means that the size of the damper increases by 25% more than its usual size. It helps to accommodate the sudden back pressure increase to stop it from affecting the system. More of this will be the size of the zone and also the size of the duct.
It is also very important that you plan the positioning of the thermostat and the damper. This should be before the whole ducting takes place in your mixed-use building. This will enable the wiring process from the HVAC to the thermostat easy and simple. You can avoid this by using a thermostat with a remote-control feature.
Final Thoughts:
Making HVAC and mechanical considerations for mixed-use buildings? Consider the uses of the building. When you have retailers in the building, heating and cooling in some specific zones of your building can be an issue. But when you have a good mechanical engineering expert at your disposal, things will come easy. Installing the perfect HVAC system will lead to appropriate heating and cooling of the building.
The heating and cooling coupled with good MEP designs are important for your building. They help you accommodate the needs of all occupants. Both commercial and residential occupants.
If you have thought of embarking on some mechanical engineering or HVAC plans for your building, then inform an expert. Contact us and we are always willing to offer world-class services to our clients and customers at all times.