MEP Engineering Design for a Mixed-Use Development in New Britain, CT

MEP Engineering Design for a Mixed-Use Development in New Britain, CT

Project Overview

InnoDez is currently providing comprehensive MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) engineering design, fire sprinkler system design, solar panel design, and energy compliance services for the 266 Arch Street project in New Britain, Connecticut. This 23,000 square foot mixed-use building will be a unique development, housing apartments, a distillery, a restaurant, and a café. As the only historic building in Connecticut with this combination of uses, the project presents a number of design challenges.

Unique Design Challenges

• Historic Preservation: Given the building’s historic significance, preserving its original character is paramount. InnoDez had to carefully balance modern design requirements with the need to maintain the building’s historic integrity.
• Diverse Functional Needs: The project’s multiple functions—residential, commercial, and industrial—each have specific MEP and fire protection requirements. Integrating these diverse needs into a cohesive design is a complex task.
• Energy Efficiency: As a sustainability-focused project, energy efficiency is a key consideration. InnoDez is designing systems that will minimize energy consumption while meeting the building’s functional requirements.
• Solar Integration: The incorporation of solar panels into the design presents opportunities for renewable energy generation. However, it also requires careful planning to ensure optimal solar exposure and compatibility with the building’s aesthetics.

InnoDez’s Innovative Approach

• Historic Preservation: InnoDez is developing a design approach that incorporates modern MEP systems while preserving the building’s historic features. This includes using concealed piping and ducts where possible and selecting equipment that is compatible with the building’s architecture.
• Functional Integration: To meet the diverse needs of the different tenants, InnoDez is designing a flexible MEP engineering system that can accommodate the specific requirements of each space. This includes separate HVAC zones for residential and commercial areas and dedicated electrical circuits for the distillery and restaurant.
• Energy Efficiency: InnoDez is implementing a range of energy-saving measures, such as high-efficiency HVAC equipment, LED lighting, and a building automation system. These measures will help to reduce the building’s overall energy consumption and operating costs.
• Solar Panel Integration: InnoDez is conducting a detailed solar analysis to determine the optimal location and orientation for the solar panels. The design will incorporate a solar photovoltaic system that will generate clean energy for the building’s operations.