Sharpe Building at the Foundry, Providence, R.I.
Retrofit Team
Mechanical Contractor: Peregrine Mechanical Inc., Rumford, R.I.
Mechanical Engineering: Trumbull Campbell Associates, Newbury, Mass., (978) 225-2045
Materials
The project team required an HVAC system that would retain the Sharpe Building’s unique architectural character while appealing to young professionals migrating to providence’s urban center who expect modern comfort and conveniences. Therefore, the team looked for a system that was energy efficient, aesthetically pleasing and quiet.
Peregrine Mechanical Inc. turned to Trumbull Campbell Associates to help design a super-efficient solution that would allow for individually controlled heating and cooling in the building’s mix of metro, studio, one- and two-bedroom units. After carefully reviewing the requirements, Trumbull Campbell Associates recommended installing the LG Multi V IV VRF heat recovery system. Using LG’s VRF (variable refrigerant flow) systems would preserve the architectural integrity of the historic building while addressing space considerations by running small refrigerant lines throughout the building without using bulky ductwork.
In addition to the small refrigerant lines and compact equipment, the LG Multi V IV does not require a large mechanical room. In turn, the Sharpe Building was able to repurpose that space for amenities for the residents, including a gym and theater. On a large portion of the roof that would have been occupied by a conventional system, an outdoor space overlooking downtown providence has been built for the residents.
To create a comfortable and appealing indoor environment, the Sharpe Building features a mix of indoor units including ceiling cassettes and wall-mounted units, depending on the location. Selected for their minimal noise level, the LG indoor units provide precise temperature control while operating as quietly as the noise level in a library. By using individual zones, the LG Multi V IV systems only engage when there is enough demand and then balance the load requirements across all spaces to use energy more efficiently. the system provides further energy efficiency through the heat-recovery feature as heated return air is redistributed to the zones that need it, rather than heating new air.
For nearly the same cost as a traditional system, the Sharpe Building now has a highly reliable, stable HVAC solution that provides energy-efficient comfort for residents.
VRF Manufacturer: LG
The Retrofit
Originally built in 1872, the Foundry has a rich history dating back more than a century. once the former manufacturing campus of industrial powerhouse Brown & Sharpe, the 13 brick buildings located on 26 acres have been meticulously restored into a mixed-use complex, which bridges the old and new.
In the middle of the sprawling complex is the Sharpe Building at the Foundry, which served as a mill during the building’s manufacturing years. the goal for the renovation of the 157,500-square-foot, 6-story building was to develop 196 loft-style luxury residences. placed on the national register of Historic places in 2003, the Sharpe Building required a renovation that upgraded the functionality of the building while maintaining the historic design.
View a video about the HVAC system in the Sharpe Building at the Foundry.
PHOTOS: LG