GREEN PARK PHARMACY, HOUSTON, TX

The Green Park  Pharmacy consists of a 1800 sq. ft. pharmacy facility. The mechanical,  electrical, and plumbing systems were designed by 3S MEP+S, providing a fully  coordinated code-compliant, and operationally reliable environment for both  non-hazardous drug (NHD) and hazardous drug (HD) sterile compounding, in  accordance with USP 797 and USP 800.

The mechanical scope centered on  the design of a controlled-environment HVAC system to support compounding  pharmacy operations, including NHD and HD laboratories, ante rooms, buffer  rooms, and supporting corridors. Ventilation air is supplied by a dedicated  outdoor air system with supply air distributed through multiple constant air  volume (CAV) terminal units serving the individual compounding and support  spaces.

Room pressurization  and cleanliness classifications were designed directly to USP797 and USP800 requirements.  The NHD Buffer Room and NHD Lab are maintained at a positive pressure of  +0.02 in. w.g. relative to the adjoining ante room and corridor, at ISO Class  7 (30 air changes per hour) and ISO Class 8 (20 air changes per hour)  respectively, consistent with USP 797 non-hazardous sterile compounding  requirements. Conversely, the HD Buffer Room and HD Lab are maintained at a  negative pressure of -0.02 in. w.g. relative to the ante room, at the same  ISO 7/ISO 8 classifications and air-change rates, in accordance with USP 800 requirements  for containment of hazardous drug compounding. The ante rooms serve as  pressurized transition/airlock spaces between the corridor and each  classified suite, and each room is equipped with a dedicated  differential-pressure gauge for continuous monitoring and verification of the  required pressure relationships.

Primary engineering  controls — including a biological safety cabinet (BSC), a powder containment  hood (PH), and a HEPA-filtered hood — are provided within the NHD and HD  compounding suites, each independently and continuously exhausted. Exhaust  air from the compounding hoods is routed to dedicated roof-mounted exhaust  fans, sized and located to prevent re-entrainment of exhaust air into the  outdoor air intake, consistent with USP 797, USP 800 and 2021 IMC requirements. Duct smoke detectors are provided in the return air ductwork of  the rooftop unit, upstream of the filters and outdoor air connection, per  2021 IMC Section 606, with automatic unit shutdown and supervisory signal to  the building fire alarm system upon detection of smoke.

Air balancing was a critical and  closely coordinated aspect of the design to verify that the as-built system  achieves the required airflow directions, room-to-room pressure  differentials, and air change rates for each ISO-classified space. Ductwork,  diffusers, and grilles were laid out and sized in accordance with SMACNA  standards and the 2021 International Mechanical Code, with all supply,  return, and exhaust air devices scheduled to match the pressurization and ventilation requirements established for each compounding and support space.

The Plumbing team designed the  domestic water, sanitary waste, and vent systems for the pharmacy facility  using existing building utilities. Plumbing layouts were developed to serve  sinks, fixtures, and support areas in accordance with applicable plumbing  codes. The design included coordination of piping routes with architectural  layouts and mechanical systems to provide an efficient and constructible  solution.

A comprehensive electrical scope  was developed for the 1,800 sq. ft. pharmacy facility, including the design  of lighting systems, power distribution networks, and a fire alarm system in  accordance with the applicable National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements.  The lighting layout was designed to provide adequate illumination levels for  the pharmacy, prescription processing areas, storage spaces, NHD labs and  ante room while optimizing energy efficiency and occupant comfort.

Energy-efficient lighting control  strategies were implemented utilizing occupancy and vacancy sensors along  with manual switches throughout the facility. These controls were  strategically located to automatically manage lighting operation based on  space utilization, reducing unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining  compliance with applicable energy code requirements.

The power distribution system was  engineered to support the operational requirements of the pharmacy, including  receptacle loads, equipment loads, HVAC systems, and other critical building  services. Careful consideration was given to panelboard locations and circuit  distribution to provide an efficient and cost-effective electrical  infrastructure while maintaining reliable operation and ease of maintenance.  Detailed engineering analyses were performed, including electrical load  calculations for proper sizing of service and distribution equipment.

In addition, fire alarm design was  performed for the renovated area, including coordination with the existing  fire alarm system to maintain code compliance and system continuity. The fire  alarm modifications were designed in accordance with applicable codes and  integrated with the existing building system to support the renovated layout  and occupancy requirements.

With all 3S MEP+S projects, a  primary focus is on integrating MEP and structural designs with the  construction and architectural partners and the end-users to minimize the  need for design adjustments or revisions during the construction process.  Design teams from 3S MEP+S actively engage with all stakeholders to identify  potential conflicts and optimize the overall system layout. Our teams are  exceptionally proficient at harmonizing essential building elements for successful outcomes.

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