Mechanical and plumbing design for the first of two new fire stations that serve the future needs of Little Italy in downtown San Diego. The three-story station includes three apparatus bays to house engine, truck and medic vehicles and 12 personnel, and support a drive-thru, along with a single level of below-grade parking. The facility also includes a spacious gym and the upper story has a patio and BBQ to make the station feel more homelike.
The HVAC system consists of multiple variable refrigerant flow split systems for air conditioned occupied areas. The variable refrigerant flow system allows for multiple small zones to use only the amount of cooling needed to save energy. All air distribution systems serving the building are sized to minimize sound transmission through the systems. Sound attenuating components are incorporated into the design (i.e. sizing of ductwork to minimize velocities, sizing air terminal devices to minimize NC levels at the point of air distribution, etc.).
The domestic hot water is provided with a high efficiency gas-fired water heater. The domestic hot water is distributed throughout the building at 120°F. The building is provided with complete low flow plumbing fixtures, equipment, sanitary waste and vent, and domestic water.
Additional energy design features are incorporated to reduce the overall energy consumption of the building and to achieve minimum LEED Silver rating.
