Problem: Provide local cooling in offices for LEED-rated theater adapted from an 1891 armory.
Solution: Multi-service chilled beams (MSCBs) with integrated lighting beat out conventional fan-driven systems for comfort and efficiency.
The lobby atrium of the theater shows off the original masonry walls and gunsight windows.
In adapting Portland’s 1891 armory building for local theater company, GBD Architects and M/E/P engineer Glumac faced restricted options. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Romanesque Revival building had narrow gunsight windows and thick masonry walls ideal for the Oregon National Guard, not a performance troupe.
The team excavated 30' down to fit more rehearsal space into the small footprint, and seismically braced the structure. Working with a district chilled-water supply, the team selected displacement and underfloor ventilation to cool the lobby and theater spaces. Mezzanine offices, on the other hand, needed more conditioning – an ideal application for multi-service chilled beams (MSCBs) by Trox USA, Cumming, Ga.
“These chilled beams are called ‘active’ because they both heat and cool, a technology that’s far more common in Europe,” says Glumac mechanical engineer Bob Schroeder, P.E.
“The MCSBs are large, sheet-metal-shrouded units with coils for cool and hot water, so they function like radiators for each person or workstation,” adds Glumac’s lighting designer, Ben Watson. “They’re very visible, so we integrated an A-Light recessed lens fluorescent fixture into each chilled beam.” The lighting manufacturer sent lamps to Trox for sizing and coordination.
Also contributing to the LEED Platinum rating are dimming switches on photosensors, high-performance fenestration, and a rainwater-harvesting system serving dual-flush toilets. “There was a little risk to begin with, and our client made some really good decisions and really embraced sustainable design,” says Alan Beard, FAIA, GBD’s principal in charge.
Architects: GBD Architects Type: Performing arts Product: Chilled beams Manufacturer: Trox Performance: Cooling capacity 60- 1500W Price range: $ - $$ Website: www.trox.us |
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