Dublin Elementary School HVAC Renovation

Street, MD

As prime consultant, BKM provided MEP design services for the systemic renovations to Dublin Elementary School, a multi-story, 44,000-square-foot elementary school constructed in several pieces from 1940 to 1987. The facility contains classrooms, a library, cafeteria, gymnasium, and administrative offices to support over 300 students and staff members.

The project included the demolition of several components of the existing heat pump system within the building including the cooling tower, heat exchanger, several unit ventilators, fan coil units, condenser water piping, and several pumps (cooling tower, condenser water, and boiler). A new 100 ton air-cooled VRF system was installed to provide heating and cooling throughout the classrooms, cafeteria and administration areas. The VRF system included ducted terminal units in the classrooms and cafeteria areas and ceiling cassette units in the administration area and corridors. Five air cooled dedicated outside air packaged rooftop units were provided to supply ventilation air to these spaces. An air cooled packaged rooftop unit was provided to heat, cool and ventilate the gymnasium.

Electrical modifications included replacement of the existing fusible switch and circuit breaker switchboards, new branch circuit panelboards dedicated to serve the new mechanical equipment and modifications to the existing emergency distribution system to accommodate life safety and optional standby loads to comply with current codes. New LED lighting was provided throughout the school as were occupancy sensors and daylighting controls.

The work provided all new mechanical and electrical support equipment for the entire building to  improve operation and efficiency, to meet the current Maryland Department of Education (MDE) standards and most importantly to enhance the educational environment within the school facility. With the aid of our subconsultant, Sustainable Building Partners, LLC, the BKM team was able to help HCPS earn a $86,838 rebate from Delmarva Power.