fbpx
All Posts By

Trevor Ruhnke

09.04 2024

Streamlining Prototype Design for New Construction Projects

By | No Comments

September 2024

by Trevor Ruhnke

Building prototype designs can offer numerous advantages for new building programs and franchise opportunities. A well-developed prototype accelerates permitting and construction timelines, streamlining the overall project delivery. However, like all new construction projects, challenges still arise, particularly in the realm of Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) engineering. This blog explores the key considerations and solutions for optimizing prototype designs in the face of site-specific challenges.

MEP Engineering and Site Utilities

One of the first steps in MEP engineering is identifying the available utilities at potential sites, these findings would be coordinated with a civil engineer. The availability of natural gas is often the most significant factor influencing the design. Natural gas is typically utilized for heating in HVAC systems, domestic water heating, and commercial cooking equipment. However, if a prototype is designed to utilize natural gas, and the project site lacks this resource, two viable alternatives are commonly considered: propane and all-electric systems.

Option 1: Utilizing Propane

When natural gas is unavailable, propane can be an effective alternative. This option is less impactful on building systems and equipment design but requires significant consideration of site layout. Most HVAC and cooking equipment can be modified to use propane with simple adapters, and the gas piping will usually be similar in size, with slight variations based on the total fuel load.

However, propane storage poses a site challenge. Propane is stored in tanks, either above or below ground. The size of the tank is determined by the building’s load and the frequency of tank refills. Therefore, establishing a base tank size for each prototype is crucial when propane is the preferred option.

Option 2: All-Electric Building

The second alternative is to design an all-electric building. Equipment that typically relies on gas for heating can be equipped with electric elements. However, electric heating can substantially increase the load on the building’s electrical system, potentially requiring an upgrade to the building’s electrical service. This can lead to significant cost increases.

If an all-electric solution is preferred where gas is not available, this often results in the development of two separate prototypes to accommodate different energy sources.

Site Challenges: Water and Sewer Availability

Another potential challenge in new construction projects is the availability of domestic water. If a site is located far from municipal infrastructure, a water connection may not be available, necessitating the drilling of an on-site well. This process involves working with a well designer/vendor to test groundwater availability and design a system that meets the building’s pressure and flow requirements. Space must be allocated on the site for the well house, which typically includes the wellhead, pressure pumps, storage tanks, and a chlorinator system.

Similarly, if a site lacks access to a municipal sewer system, a septic system must be installed. While the interior building systems generally remain unchanged, the site must accommodate a septic drain field, as well as pumps and aerators, depending on the design. The size of the field will be determined by site characteristics and the percolation rate of the local soils.

In addition to water and sewer considerations, managing stormwater is crucial for any new construction site. Proper stormwater management ensures compliance with local regulations and prevents potential flooding or erosion issues. This requires collaboration with a civil engineer who can design an effective stormwater system tailored to the site’s specific conditions. The civil engineer will assess factors such as rainfall patterns, soil permeability, and topography to develop a system that efficiently handles runoff, incorporates retention or detention basins if necessary, and integrates seamlessly with existing infrastructure.

HVAC System Sizing and Geographical Considerations

The HVAC system is another critical component that may be impacted by site-specific factors. To function properly and efficiently, the HVAC system must be matched to the load of the space. Each prototype location may have different peak heating and cooling loads, particularly if there is significant geographical climate variation between sites. In such cases, the HVAC system may need to be resized, either through site-specific changes or by developing separate prototypes for similar climate zones.

Conclusion

Prototype project designs are an efficient way to accelerate building completion, but they require careful consideration of site-specific challenges. Evaluating potential sites for utility availability before lease or purchase negotiations can help select the best fit within a given area. While no two projects are exactly alike, MEP systems can be developed with flexibility in mind, minimizing the need for significant changes in response to specific site conditions.

If you’re considering developing a prototype design for your next building program or franchise opportunity, it’s essential to work with experienced professionals who understand the complexities of MEP engineering and site-specific challenges. Our team is ready to help you navigate these hurdles and ensure your project is optimized for efficiency and success. Contact us today to discuss how we can support your next project successful from start to finish.

Steve Petracek, Principal

10.31 2023

FEC Conversion: Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing

By | No Comments

by Trevor Ruhnke, Principal

January, 15th 2024

Welcome back! If you’ve been following along, you know we’ve been on a journey of transformation, exploring the prospect of turning a section of your traditional theatre into a dynamic entertainment facility. We have delved into the architectural and structural aspects, laying the ground work for a space that promises a multitude of revenue stream opportunities. As we continue our exploration, it’s time to shift our spotlight backstage — the Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing systems. In this next installment of our blog series we reflect on the intricate dance of these systems and how their modification plays a pivotal role in bringing our entertainment projects to life!

Mechanical

Auditorium HVAC systems are designed to serve large numbers of people at high density within the space. This design translates very well to an entertainment concept. Although the number of customers is reduced, there is an offsetting increase in the needed cooling load from games and other electrical equipment. Often, the existing equipment may be re-used to serve the new space’s layout.  However, evaluations of the equipment are warranted at this time. If the equipment is near the end of its useful life, replacement with newer, more efficient, equipment during the construction phase will be less impactful. Replacement equipment will also be tailored to the new layouts and required loads. Any new equipment may remain in the original location to help reduce cost and impact.

Although ductwork and distribution systems would often continue to function appropriately, the aesthetics may be poor. Many entertainment complexes utilize an open ceiling concept. Ductwork designed for above ceiling installation is typically rectangular with flexible ductwork extending to ceiling mounted diffusers. In an open ceiling situation large round ductwork painted to match the structure is normally seen. However, in some situations the ductwork may be painted a contrasting color matching the rest of the facility to provide another element of interest.

Facility changes often also include expanded food and beverage options. If the facility does not already have a kitchen or cooking options, this is the time to add them. If cooking is limited, expanding the cookline and menu is a good pair with the new entertainment options. This typically includes a true Kitchen exhaust system with grease hoods like you find in restaurants. While cooklines are traditionally located in the back of house areas they can also be in view of the customers adding a unique visual element.

Electrical

Many parts of the entertainment complex have high electrical demands whether that is from arcade games, bowling equipment, or general AV equipment. Luckily, auditoriums also have a high electrical demand. Although the requirements are different between the two space types often the original Theater electrical distribution is adequate for most conversions.

Often electrical panels serving auditoriums are located on the mezzanine near the projection equipment. If the mezzanine is to be retained during the renovation, it is possible they can be re-used. However, it may be more cost efficient to relocate or replace the panels and install them closer to the new equipment. If the mezzanine spaces are to be removed for the new space design new electrical distribution is generally needed. Replacement of a portion of the distribution can allow for better consolidation of circuits and a more efficient and cost-effective construction.

Bowling systems generally require additional electrical infrastructure. Additional panels are needed to separate the pin equipment and scoring equipment. There is a difference in electrical load requirements between traditional bowling equipment and newer string type systems. While electrical modifications do not typically drive the choice of options to include in an entertainment renovation, careful consideration can help minimize the cost impact.

Plumbing

Renovation from auditoriums to entertainment often leads to a reduction in the code required occupant count. This means the total number of required restrooms is reduced. Since the restrooms are often located near the promenade, they may need to be relocated to accommodate the open floor needed for the entertainment concept. New restroom locations must be coordinated with the slope of the underfloor piping system and that can dictate the final locations.

If the facility does not already have a kitchen, then a grease waste system and grease trap will be required. Traditionally adding the system requires a grease trap installed outside of the building. In some instances, with a smaller cooking operation an in-floor model may be acceptable. Whichever system is included, periodic grease removal and maintaining the trap is of utmost importance.

If a bar or kitchen is added during the renovation, this often requires significant removal of the floor in on grade buildings to facilitate installation of piping. This is needed for drainage, drink line conduits, and sometimes water piping. Coordination between Architectural and MEP design can help remove some of these requirements, helping to lower costs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there is no doubt that converting auditoriums into Entertainment Centers is the next big thing in the Cinema industry. These transformations mean patrons are staying longer and spending mor money in your facilities. What’s not to like about that!!

Trevor , Principal