191 N. Chester, Birmingham, Mich.
RETROFIT TEAM
ARCHITECT: Biddison Architecture + Design
ENGINEER: Ghafari Associates LLC
CONTRACTOR: Systematic Heating & Cooling Inc.
MANUFACTURER’S REPRESENTATIVE: Michigan Air Products
MATERIALS
191 N. Chester is a former church built in 1926. Surnow Co. repurposed the property, preserving the exterior while building an addition comprised of glass, metal and stone for a refined, modern look. The transformation from a church to a 27,000-square-foot, Class-A office space required major renovations to the mechanical and electrical systems, including HVAC. The building owner was particularly concerned about providing an energy-efficient workplace for tenants. The COVID-19 pandemic also raised concerns about the need for air filtration to minimize the spread of viruses.
An energy recovery ventilator, Model ECV-30 with a polymer core, provided better energy transfer efficiency and a lower pressure drop to reach the required levels. Its size also made installation easier for the smaller space in the mechanical room. The ECV-30 allows for the use of MERV 8 and MERV 13 filtration. The filtration combined with the HVAC system’s high ventilation rates improves indoor air quality and meets code requirements. Filtering and ventilation minimize issues with harmful particles, including those particles causing illness. Intake and exhaust louvers (Model ESD-635) protect wall openings for the energy recovery unit.
Jason Zilka, owner of Systematic Heating & Cooling Inc., was impressed with the Greenheck ECV-30 product. “I highly recommend this unit for its efficiency and quiet operation. The level of quality in its construction, ease of installation and maintenance is impressive.”
Meanwhile, Model DG provides 100 percent outdoor air to the building’s enclosed heated executive parking garage. Model DG works in tandem with a Model SE exhaust fan equipped with the energy-efficient Vari-Green motor to ensure the garage has a constant source of fresh air while exhausting harmful fumes from vehicles.
Exhaust fans, models CUE and SP-A, address the indoor air quality of restrooms and other parts of the facility. Both use direct-drive, low-maintenance Vari-Green motors and are certified for AMCA Sound and Air.
ENERGY-RECOVERY VENTILATOR, MAKEUP AIR, AND EXHAUST LOUVER AND FANS MANUFACTURER: Greenheck
PHOTOS: Greenheck