Page 27 - Green Builder May-June 2017 Issue

COOL AND QUIET

At a landmark Rhode Island mixed-use project, an energy-efficient
HVAC system means noise is no problem.

CREDIT: ANDRE ESTEY FOR LG ELECTRONICS USA

Out of (hot) air. Renovators used a variable refrigerant flow heat recovery system to keep indoor environmental conditions comfortable within the
historic Foundry’s loft-style apartments.
RIGINALLY BUILT IN 1872, the Foundry has a rich history. Once recommended installing the LG Multi V IV VRF (variable refrigerant flow) heat
the manufacturing campus of industrial powerhouse Brown & recovery system. This would preserve the architectural integrity of the historic
Sharpe, the 13 brick buildings located on 26 acres at the edge of building, while addressing space considerations by running small refrigerant
downtown Providence, R.I., have been meticulously restored into lines throughout the structure without using bulky ductwork.
O a mixed-use complex that bridges old and new. FITTING RIGHT IN
In the middle of the sprawling complex is the Sharpe Building at the Foundry, In addition to the small refrigerant lines and compact equipment, the LG Multi
which served as a mill during the building’s manufacturing years. The goal for V IV does not require a large mechanical room. In turn, the Sharpe Building
the renovation of the 157,500-square-foot, six-story building was to develop was able to repurpose that space for amenities for the residents including
196 loft-style luxury residences. But because it was placed on the National a gym and a theater. On a large portion of the roof that would have been
Register of Historic Places in 2003, the Sharpe Building required a renovation occupied by a conventional system, the Sharpe Building created an outdoor
that upgraded functionality of the building while maintaining its historic design. space overlooking downtown Providence for the residents.
TAKING SHAPE To create a comfortable and appealing indoor environment, the Sharpe
The project team required an HVAC system that would both retain the Building features a mix of indoor units including ceiling cassettes and wall-
Sharpe Building’s unique architectural character, while appealing to young mounted units, depending on the location. Selected for their minimal noise
professionals migrating to Providence’s urban center who expect modern level, the LG indoor units provide precise temperature control while operating
comfort and conveniences. Therefore, the team looked for a system that was as quietly as the noise level in a library. By using individual zones, the LG Multi
energy efficient, aesthetically pleasing and, equally important, quiet. V IV systems only engage when there is enough demand, and then balance
The project’s mechanical contractor, Peregrine Mechanical Inc., turned to the load requirements across all spaces to use energy more efficiently. The
Trumbull Campbell Associates to help them design a super-efficient solution system provides further energy efficiency through the heat recovery feature
that would allow for individually controlled heating and cooling in the building’s as heated return air is redistributed to the zones that need it, rather than
mix of metro, studio, one- and two-bedroom units. heating new air.
A traditional water-source heat pump system was originally scoped for the The LG Multi V IV VRF system has met all of the Sharpe Building’scriteria
project, but the rapid on-off cycling of compressors and fans can be noisy, and flawlessly since the building opened in 2015, according to LG Air Conditioning
the system would not be able to match the cooling or heating loads without Technologies Regional Sales Engineer Eric Peters.
wide space-temperature swings—a problem for a luxury residential building.
After carefully reviewing the requirements, Trumbull Campbell Associates Courtesy of LG Electronics

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