ANN ARBOR CHAPTER, MI

3S MEP + Structural provided comprehensive mechanical engineering design services for this 19-story mixed-use high-rise development. The building consists of 175 residential apartment units, amenity spaces located on Levels 01, 02, and 19,and a retail tenant space. The project required an integrated HVAC design approach capable of serving multiple occupancy types while delivering energy efficiency, occupant comfort, indoor air quality, and long-term operational reliability.

Our engineering team designed a centralized hydronic HVAC system featuring cooling towers, boilers, heat exchangers, circulation pumps, expansion tanks, air separators, and associated mechanical equipment. The central plant distributes tempered water throughout the building to water-source heat pumps located within each residential unit, providing efficient heating and cooling while allowing individual occupant control.

To maintain healthy indoor environments and comply with applicable mechanical codes, a Dedicated Outdoor Air System (DOAS) was designed to provide conditioned ventilation air throughout the building. Ventilation systems serving residential, amenity, retail, and support areas were engineered to meet code-required outdoor air rates while supporting energy-efficient building operation.

The project also included the design of life-safety systems such as stairwell pressurization to support safe emergency egress. Additional heating solutions were provided for non-occupied and service areas through plenum heaters and unit heaters, while perimeter baseboard heating was incorporated along exterior curtain wall locations to offset heat loss and improve occupant comfort.

The scope of work included complete HVAC load calculations, equipment selection, duct work and piping layouts, hydronic system engineering, and detailed riser diagrams for the building-wide water-source heat pump network. All hydronic piping systems were carefully sized and coordinated to ensure proper flow distribution, pressure control, and system performance throughout the 19-story structure.

A significant component of the project involved multidisciplinary coordination with architectural and structural teams. The complete mechanical design was developed and coordinated within a Revit BIM environment, allowing for clash detection, space optimization, and seamless integration of mechanical systems with the building structure and architectural features. This collaborative process minimized construction conflicts and improved overall project efficiency.

Through innovative engineering, detailed system analysis, and proactive coordination among all project stakeholders, 3S MEP + Structural delivered a high-performance mechanical design that supports occupant comfort, energy efficiency, code compliance, and long-term building sustainability.

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