In a recent post, we showed why California’s latest energy code for new buildings and retrofits will require targeted MEP design in order for projects to be both code-compliant and cost-effective. The 2019 Code addresses all classes of buildings, from residential to commercial, low to high-rise, as well as design specifics such as on-site renewable energy production and water prudence. One area that deserves special focus is updated guidance on building and mechanical features that impact indoor air quality. When taken individually, the stricter requirements for ventilation systems, exhaust ducts, airflow, and air filtration may seem minor, but when approached as a whole they present a host of new challenges that building owners are only beginning to comprehend. Each of the new standards will require design methods that, if approached hastily or without a full understanding of the implications for the entire system, will result in costly and time-consuming corrections.
Before getting into these new design considerations, it’s important to understand the motive behind these code changes. Ultimately, by focusing on the mechanical components that regulate indoor climate, the state hopes to improve the health, comfort, and overall well being of indoor occupants. Commercial buildings are already subject to similar regulations, and business units such as offices and factories invest considerable time and money in modulating indoor air properties. In doing so, they have achieved benefits such as higher worker comfort, which leads to improved job satisfaction, productivity boosts, and increased output. Up until now, however, multifamily dwellings such as apartment buildings and single-family homes have not been subject to tight regulations.
Typically, “natural ventilation” which is achieved via windows, fans, and open doors has been deemed adequate for residential units. However, these methods make it difficult to control airflow and can negatively impact the building’s envelope. For example, when new apartment buildings are constructed a host of airborne contaminants and chemicals are emitted from fresh construction materials and manufactured installations. Mold leakage and fumes from household cleaners can also seep into rooms over time. For inhabitants with existing health problems, weakened immune systems, or infants and the elderly, these airborne contaminants have the potential to cause illness and respiratory problems. Further, unfiltered outdoor air presents its own set of risks, such as urban air pollution, dust, and seasonal attributes such as pollen. In both cases, opening a window or installing a fan cannot provide a comprehensive solution. An efficient and reliable ventilation system works to remove polluted air while continuously introducing fresh, clean air.
Besides the purity of the air, how it flows through an indoor space deserves equal attention. Air currents impact the well being of building occupants. A room with the windows closed and without ventilation and exhaust systems will feel stale and suffocating. At the other extreme, too much draft creates chill and discomfort. To achieve a pleasant medium, airflow should be enough to continuously replace stale air with fresh air, but light enough so as not to create a discernible draft. The relationship between the rate at which air is supplied to a room and the rate at which it is released is referred to as a ventilation system’s “balance”.
Changes made to the 2016 Title 24, Part 6 Building Energy Efficiency Standards and incorporated in the 2019 Energy Code that apply to air quality and airflow in low-rise residential buildings are mainly detailed in section 150(m) and 150(o) and include the following:
Qtot = 0.03(Afloor) + 7.5(Nbr + 1)
where:
Qtot = Total Required Ventilation Rate, CFM
Afloor = Dwelling Unit Floor Area, ft²
Nbr = Number of Bedrooms (must be ≥ 1)
“These new rules for multifamily dwelling units present several challenges for building owners, architects, and project managers,” says Amir Amiri, CEO of 120 Degreez Engineering.
One of the biggest changes that impact the engineering design is the requirement that the ventilation intake and the point of exhaust must be located ten feet apart.
“Imagine you have an apartment building where each unit is between ten to twenty feet wide and side-by-side maybe ten to twenty of such units,” explains Amiri. “That’s an enormous challenge from an engineering standpoint because you simply don’t have enough space when applying the traditional design methods to meet the new code.”
When the new energy codes were released, Amiri and his team realized they had to devise new design methods. As the construction of multifamily dwelling units got underway in 2020 California, developers would be blindsided by the new spacing requirements. If they realized the problem only once the design process was in progress, they would be forced to assemble untested last-minute solutions, or go back to drawing board and start from scratch.
“We came up with some unique, cost-saving solutions,” says Hady Makhmalbaf, a senior mechanical engineer at 120 Degreez. “What we can now offer is engineered solutions that meet the stringent new energy code, including the updated rules on airflow and indoor air quality.”
120 Degreez’s engineering team has developed energy-saving measures that incorporate an energy recovery unit (ERU), which is a heat exchange system that continuously draws exhaust air from a space and provides fresh air to it. For these systems, effectiveness is defined by how much of latent/sensible load is recovered versus the maximum theoretically recoverable amount. This number for a modern ERU is expected to be between 60-75% for both latent and sensible loads.
“Compared to 20 or 30 years ago, these systems have become cheaper and more efficient and much more popular to the point that we even see them in houses in many projects,” concludes Amiri. “With the tighter air quality standards in California, they’ll be an invaluable asset and one that we are championing.”
Resources:
2019 Building Energy Efficiency Standards (California)
http://epubs.iapmo.org/2019/CMC/mobile/index.html
In partnership with Oakes Architects, 120 Degreez designed a comprehensive electrical system with high-efficiency lighting and energy-saving controls to align with California’s updated energy efficiency standards. The multi-use complex also required extensive utility coordination and planning for the future installation of solar panels.
In partnership with Oakes Architects, 120 Degreez designed a comprehensive electrical system with high-efficiency lighting and energy-saving controls to align with California’s updated energy efficiency standards. The multi-use complex also required extensive utility coordination and planning for the future installation of solar panels.
In partnership with AO Architects, 120 Degreez provided full MEP services for an outpatient OSHPAD 3 clinic building and parking structure. Our services included BIM and documentation for schematics, design, and construction issuing.
In partnership with San Diego Gas and Electric, 120 Degreez Engineering was selected to evaluate the system design and install of a 30-megawatt hour battery energy storage system. Our team peer-reviewed the design, completed field assessments, and followed up with on-site code enforcement. We also coordinated with Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and TUV during the construction, installation, and commissioning of the system.
On behalf of SWD Urethane, 120 Degreez Engineering was hired to provide a study of required classified hazardous locations at the facility. Drawing on our extensive experience, we were able to reduce the extent of classification and reduce installation costs for the owner.
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SERVICE
MEP
On behalf of 253 Farmacy, our team created custom MEP designs to engineer a sustainable vertical growing environment in a 25,000 square foot building. Our systems control humidity, temperature, and light intensity 24 hours a day, which helped the client exceed crop growth expectations and achieve profitability in the first year.
SERVICE
MEP
In collaboration with Sudberry and AO Architects, 120 Degreez provided MEP design services for the block-6 Civita project in Mission Valley, San Diego, California. The scope of our work encompassed Construction Administration and BIM services for this upscale mixed-use community, renowned for its vibrant ambiance and seamless integration of residences, village shops, and businesses amid parklands, open spaces, and pedestrian-friendly streets and walkways.
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SERVICE
MEP
120 Degreez collaborated with Sudberry and AO Architects to provide MEP design services for the block-4 Civita project in Mission Valley, San Diego, California. The scope of 120 Degreez’s work encompassed Construction Administration and BIM services for this upscale mixed-use community. Here, residences, village shops, and businesses blend harmoniously with parklands and pedestrian-friendly streets.
The project features a six-story residential building and a two-level parking structure. The residential building boasts over 213 units, divided into three estimated base unit types. Additionally, the development includes amenities and a parking facility with more than 516 stalls. Both the residential building and the parking structure will be mechanically ventilated. The total area, spanning approximately 122,000 square feet, includes the lobby, amenities, and parking structure.
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SERVICE
MEP
AO Architects, in collaboration with Chipotle, has chosen 120 Degreez Engineering to deliver MEP design services for a nationwide retail store.
INDUSTRY
Retail
SERVICE
MEP
Nadel Architects, in collaboration with Arc’teryx, has chosen 120 Degreez Engineering to deliver MEP design services for a nationwide retail store spanning approximately 4,000 square feet.
INDUSTRY
Retail
SERVICE
MEP
Designed by TCA Architects, this towering edifice is a design endeavor boasting 242 residential units situated atop three levels of subterranean parking, complemented by rooftop amenities. Spanning a 1.7-acre plot, the development comprises seven 8-story mixed-use apartment buildings. Besides the usual hurdles associated with high-rise construction, this project navigates the additional complexity of being located within a Methane Zone designated by the City of Los Angeles. As such, stringent requirements must be met to ensure the rooftop amenities align with the high-rise category standards.
AO Architects, in collaboration with Westar Associates, chose 120 Degreez Engineering to deliver MEP design services for a collection of 14 buildings spanning 175,000 square feet in Rancho Mission Viejo, California. This complex will host a new supermarket, a 35,000 square foot fitness center, various restaurants and retail outlets, a daycare facility, common areas/parks, a business park, as well as a convenience store and gas station complete with a carwash. Designed as a mixed-use village catering to all age groups, the project is centered around a meticulously planned 1+ acre park, serving as a community amenity and focal gathering point.
INDUSTRY
Retail
In partnership with AO Architects, 120 Degreez provided full MEP services for an Phase 3 Westfield University Town Center. Our services included BIM and documentation for schematics, design, and construction issuing.
CLIENT
Westfield
INDUSTRY
Retail
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In partnership with Andmore, 120 Degreez provided MEP consulting and engineering for a six-story building, which included a covered pool lounge on the third level.
In partnership with Sudberry Property and Architect Orange, we engineered amenities and a mechanically ventilated parking structure above that wraps around the residential building.
In partnership with Togawa Smith Martin Inc., our team provided full MEP services and designed a custom HVAC system to work around limited ceiling heights and many other unique engineering challenges.
120 Degreez collaborated with Fenway and AO Architects to provide MEP design services for the Marea Village project in Encinitas, California. Their contributions extended to Construction Administration and BIM services for this sophisticated, vibrant mixed-use community. Here, residences, village shops, and businesses harmoniously blend with open-air retail space, a network of pedestrian-friendly streets and walkways, and stunning ocean panoramas. Positioned at 1900 and 1950 North Coast Highway 101 in the Leucadia community, the project comprises 94 apartment units, 34 hotel units, 18,261 square feet of non-residential space, a two-level underground parking facility, and additional surface parking. Site enhancements encompass BBQ and dining areas, street furniture, benches, and peaceful open spaces. With its coveted spot along the Pacific coast, the project provides unparalleled ocean views.
SERVICE
MEP
120 Degreez, in collaboration with Sudberry and AO Architects, delivered MEP design services for the block-6 Civita project in Mission Valley, San Diego, California. The scope of work for 120 Degreez encompassed Construction Administration and BIM services for this upscale mixed-use community, known for its vibrant atmosphere and harmonious integration of residences, village shops, and businesses amidst parklands, open spaces, and pedestrian-friendly streets and walkways.
The project entails a five-story hotel building and a parking lot designed to accommodate the hotel, featuring one level of underground structure. With an estimated 139 keys, the hotel stands as a focal point within the community. Additionally, the development includes amenities and a parking structure with over 139 stalls, all of which will be mechanically ventilated. The total area spans approximately 40,000 square feet for the parking structure and 90,000 square feet for the lobby and amenities.
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120 Degreez Engineering collaborated with Carmel Partners and Carrier Johnson + CULTURE on this 435 Unit, 8-story multi-family facility at 6th Avenue in San Diego, California. The scope of work 120 Degreez provided included MEP and Construction Administration. The project design consisted of 5 levels of Type 3 construction over a podium deck. Unique features of this facility included extended-stay hotel services in addition to traditional apartment units. This project also presented challenges due to the proximity of property lines which required the electrical utilities located within the facility’s footprint.
SERVICE
MEP
AO Architects, in collaboration with Penera Bread, has chosen 120 Degreez Engineering to deliver MEP design services for a nationwide retail store.
SERVICE
MEP
SERVICE
MEP
Nadel Architects, partnering with Safeway grocery, selected 120 Degreez Engineering to provide MEP design services for a grocery store covering approximately 50,000 square feet in Elk Grove, California.
INDUSTRY
Commercial
CLIENT
City of Scottsdale
INDUSTRY
Commercial
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CLIENT
City Square
INDUSTRY
Commercial
CLIENT
City of Phoenix
INDUSTRY
Commercial
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CLIENT
City of Hawthorne
INDUSTRY
Commercial
SERVICE
MEP
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