Applied was retained to provide the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering services for this exciting new addition to the Ball State University campus. This new 205,000 SF facility consists of six classrooms, 28 teaching laboratories, 44 research laboratories, a research library, a vivarium, an imaging suite, conference rooms, computer labs, collaborative spaces, and faculty offices for the departments of biology and chemistry. Ball State provided several goals that guided the design process including incorporation of wellness and sustainability, designing for flexibility and adaptability for long-term change, creating a sense of cross-collaboration between departments, and planning for future expansion. The project was also designed to achieve LEED Silver Certification.
As the MEP engineer, Applied also designed the site chilled water / geothermal hot water system extensions; site electrical primary power from Ball State’s system; site lighting and power; geothermal snow melt at primary entrances; permanent dewatering system; HVAC systems; plumbing, piping, and fire protection; and electrical systems. Specific systems include acid waste and laboratory ventilation, tepid water system for emergency showers and eyewashes, nitrogen liquid and gas, natural gas, compressed air, vacuum, miscellaneous bottled gases, RO water, fire alarm design, lighting design, energy recovery wheel for classrooms and offices and energy recovery run around loops for labs to take energy from exhaust air to incoming outside air, variable air volume lab design including manifold exhaust fans, and low flow urinals, toilets, and faucets.
