Story

Building a condominium project to be energy efficient with individual unit control and metering for over 200 separate tenants has its own challenges. Putting that system in the tallest building in Grand Rapids created even greater challenges. A water-source heat pump system was chosen for energy efficiency plus exceptional comfort for the homeowners. The system infrastructure consists of two 400 ton cooling towers, three 3,000,000 BTU boilers, Automated Logic direct-digital controls and a pumping station all placed in the top two stories of the building. Twenty-eight thousand linear feet of piping connects each individual condo heat pump and the many common areas such as a pool, fitness center, lobby, offices and meeting areas to the main pumping station. Along with the piping, ducting travels from the building’s top to bottom providing conditioned outside fresh air. Stairwell and elevator pressurization is integrated into the buildings life safety network with a total of 180,000 cfm of air provided by four fans keeping these exiting corridors free from any smoke during an emergency. The poured in place construction made preplanning and strict scheduling vital to the success of the project. Installing equipment and materials within precise tolerances was needed to integrate with the work of other trades and meet building requirements. Recognition of the onsite West Michigan workforce is appropriate. Working up to 350 plus feet above the ground, at times during inclement weather conditions, it is easy to see the total dedication and pride that these team members have for their trades. High profile is an understatement for this building accomplishment.