Optimizing Energy Efficiency: Tetra Tech’s Mechanical Services for the Alberni Street Building in Vancouver

Challenge

Coordinating complex mechanical systems within the visually stunning 1550 Alberni Street residential building posed a unique challenge for NDY, part of the Tetra Tech High Performance Buildings Group. The integration of outside air ventilation, energy recovery ventilator, heat recovery ventilator, and metal panels had to be seamlessly incorporated without compromising the building’s aesthetic appeal. Additionally, the project required compliance with local codes for the timber façade while achieving the equivalent of LEED Gold certification for energy efficiency.

Solution

Collaborating closely with lead architect Kengo Kuma and local architect Merrick Architecture to integrate mechanical services into the building’s design, Tetra Tech leveraged Kuma’s design concept and custom materials to ensure a harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetics.

The building’s mechanical system consists of modular chillers, a cooling tower, and associated pumps for distribution of chilled water to 4-pipe fan coils in each residential suite. Within the main mechanical room is a District Energy node that connects to the existing heating distribution system serving Downtown Vancouver. The building utilizes heating from the District Energy plant for space heating and domestic hot water heating demand for the building.

Energy modeling was dependent on information provided by the envelope consultant RDH and the structural engineer Glotman Simpson. Some parameters required the minimum set value to achieve 12 points of LEED certification, including an environmental assessment credit of 1 out of 18, lighting design and approach in mechanical efficiencies to achieve set targets. Tetra Tech’s meticulous energy modeling, incorporating data from envelope consultants and structural engineers, ensured the building met stringent sustainability requirements.