UT-Austin – Townes Hall HVAC Renewal

 

 

Originally constructed in 1952, Townes Hall is home to the University of Texas School of Law.  The university’s project goal was to replace/renew all major mechanical and electrical systems within the building over three summer construction phases. MEP Engineering, Inc. served as the prime professional service provider.

  • Phase 1 scope of work included the replacement of five legacy multi-zone and constant-volume AHUs with six variable speed AHU systems, including preconditioning outside air coils for improved humidity control within the building.
  • Phase 2 scope of work included the replacement of four legacy multi-zone AHUs with six variable speed hot and cold deck AHU systems, including preconditioning outside air coils for improved humidity control within the building.  Additional scope of work included significant LED lighting and lighting control upgrades within the main auditorium.
  • Phase 3 scope of work included the replacement of two hot/cold deck AHU’s and six single zone AHUs (84,800 CFM total) located in a single mechanical room. MEP’s innovative design replaced the eight existing AHUs with four larger units: two hot and two cold deck AHUs. Additionally, new air terminals were added within the mechanical room to provide zone control to the existing low pressure zone ductwork. The original aged electrical distribution equipment, including panelboards, transformers & branch circuit wiring in the areas served by AHUs, was replaced, and the electrical grounding systems were upgraded.

MEP worked closely with the university project management team to develop outage phasing plans as part of the bid documents, limiting both HVAC & electrical building outages and costly off-hour contractor work requirements. As a result of MEP’s redesign efforts, significant energy efficiency improvements were implemented along with improved equipment maintenance access.

Project Title:  Townes Hall HVAC Renewal

Project Location:  Austin, Texas

Owner:  The University of Texas at Austin

Project Size:  167,000 SF

Total Project Cost:  $5,490,000 (All Phases)

MEP Role:  Prime Consultant

Services Provided:  Mechanical, Electrical, & Plumbing Engineering