Marywood University renovated a former gymnasium to create a new home for its School of Architecture. The project required an HVAC approach that supported energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and comfort while adapting to space constraints. A combination of chilled beams and a Pinnacle primary ventilation system was used to meet these objectives.
Key Facts
- Former gymnasium converted into the School of Architecture
- Forty‑two chilled beams installed
- Includes a FläktGroup SEMCO Pinnacle® primary ventilation system
- Chilled beams supply 100% of the building’s cooling
- Second floor was newly constructed within the former gym volume
- Limited floor‑to‑floor height prompted low‑ductwork HVAC design
- Chilled water supplied by campus central chilled water system
- Chilled water maintained between 55°F and 63°F
- Building earned LEED Gold certification
- 83% of construction waste reused
Challenge
Convert an old gymnasium into an architectural learning center while saving energy.
Solution
Engineers incorporated forty‑two chilled beams along with a FläktGroup SEMCO Pinnacle® primary ventilation system. The chilled beams addressed sensible cooling, while the Pinnacle system dehumidified and pre‑conditioned supply air. The design minimized ductwork needs, maintained humidity and temperature control, and fit within the limited available ceiling space.
Results
- Delivered deep dehumidification and stable indoor conditions
- Enabled energy‑efficient operation using passive dehumidification and sensible cooling
- Provided quiet operation suitable for an educational environment
- Supported LEED Gold certification
- 83% of construction waste was reused
“It was the only system that could provide the humidity control we desired without any active regeneration of desiccant material.”
Steve Daiute
Assistant Vice President
Greenman-Pedersen
Products Used
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