Page 8 - School Planning & Management, September 2017

NEWS & VIEWS
Hot Tips
This Month
Variable Refrigerant Flow
VRF HAS MANY
ADVANTAGES
VARIABLE REFRIGERANT FLOW (VRF) IS A
leading-edge, globally proven HVAC technol- ogy that can help solve many HVAC challenges. Following are a few of its merits.
• Increased Energy Efficiency — VRF
systems with inverter-driven compressors
can reduce energy bills up to 25 percent.
• Reduced Costs — While initial equipment
cost can be higher, VRF’s installation and operational costs are often lower. Standard controls and simpler installation save on materials and labor.
• Delivery of Fresh Air — With advanced filters, zoning capabilities and integration with ventilation systems, VRF can help meet indoor air mandates.
• Limited Operational Noise — VRF elimi- nates disruption indoors and out. Indoor units operate as quietly as 19 decibels and outdoor units are quieter than traditional systems.
• Variable Loads Needs — VRF does an im- pressive job meeting spaces’ and occupants’ needs. Full-range variable capacity delivers only the amount of conditioning required. Using integrated controls and sensors, the compressor adjusts speeds to maintain the desired zone temperature.
• Solves Comfort Issues — VRF’s zoning of- fers incredibly personalized comfort control, including the ability to simultaneously cool and heat from one heat recovery system.
• Controls Multiples Spaces — VRF can in- tegrate with third-party software. Beyond that, VRF offers a wide variety of controls options, from individual zone controllers to centralized controllers that monitor, schedule and control multiple indoor units through a web browser.
• Minimizes Maintenance — Little maintenance is required and doesn’t require a specialized service contractor. VRF compo- nents are easily accessible.
>>Kevin Miskewicz is the director of Com- mercial Marketing with Mitsubishi Electric Cooling & Heating. He can be reached at kmiskewicz@hvac.mea.com or 888/979-9686.
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the AIA Committee on Architecture for Education. EDspaces will take place Oct. 25 through 27, 2017, in Kansas City, Mo. For more information about EDspaces, or to register, visit www.ed-spaces.com.
Modernized Community School Reopens as High-Performance, Sustainable
Perkins Eastman DC joined the Of-
fice of the Mayor, District Department
of General Services (DGS), District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS), faculty, students, and the community on Thurs- day to celebrate the grand opening of the modernized Watkins Elementary School in Washington, DC. Perkins Eastman DC transformed the existing building into a high-performance, 21st-century learning environment serving students in grades 1-5. Watkins is part of the Capitol Hill Clus- ter, a unique PK-8 that is located in three buildings in the Capital Hill neighborhood. Watkins is currently pending LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. To read more, visit webspm.com/ articles/2017/08/28/watkins-elementary.
Historic Tavern Being Converted into Classrooms, Offices
An 18th-century tavern is being transformed into a new facility used by the middle school on the campus of the Riverbend School in Natick, Mass. The completed project will provide new class- room, office and multi-purpose space for Riverbend’s expanding campus. Nauset
Construction recently began work on the project. Designed by Piatt Associates,
the project includes the conversion of the Peletiah Morse Tavern, which was built in 1748 to serve as a residence, tavern and stage stop for travelers on the Old Hart- ford Road, as well as the construction of a two-story, 4,200-square-foot addition. When completed, the new facilities will house science and math classrooms for middle schoolers, a large multi-purpose space for music instruction, a Welcome Center for prospective Riverbend School families, and administrative offices. To read more, visit webspm.com/articles/ 2017/08/30/riverbend-school.
Extensive Renovations, Additions Planned
for Dallas High School
South Oak Cliff High School in Dallas is about to start a $52-million addition and renovation project. With the design phase nearing completion, construction is expected to begin in Fall 2017. KAI Texas is providing programming/planning, architecture, interior design, community engagement, project management and construction administration on the proj- ect, in which 90 percent of the school will be renovated, with three additions totaling approximately 60,000 square feet. The de- sign theme centers around creating a 21st- century learning environment supportive of current and future students. A new athletic facility is planned that includes a competition basketball, 2,000-seat gym and auxiliary gymnasium that serves as
a storm shelter. This new addition will at- tach to the existing facility by a circulation space that creates a grand, three-story, light-filled concourse. To read more, visit webspm.com/articles/2017/08/30/dallas- high-school. SPM
8 SCHOOL PLANNING & MANAGEMENT / SEPTEMBER 2017
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