University of Chicago
Campus North Residence Hall and Dining Commons Commissioning - Chicago, IL
Overview
Grumman/Butkus Associates was thrilled to be named the commissioning (Cx) agent for this new 800-bed residence hall and 400-seat dining commons, located near the core of the University of Chicago. The design, by architecture firm Studio Gang, reflects the university's ongoing commitment to creating an unrivaled student experience. The facility is intended to become a dynamic hub for campus life. In addition to residences, the building will include retail space and is expected to be approximately 384,000 square feet. The heating and cooling systems will be radiant, with the potential for incorporation of geothermal, solar thermal, or other innovative technologies.
The project, which was completed in 2016, achieved LEED Gold status.
Features
As the Cx agent, G/BA's service in the design phase includes commissioning scoping meetings and providing assistance with the Owner Project Requirements (OPR) and the project Basis of Design (BOD). During design, G/BA reviews major issuances of design-phase contract documents for verification that equipment and systems comply with the BOD and OPR, that systems can be commissioned, that systems and components are maintainable and accessible, that systems and configurations are optimized for energy efficiency, that the design of the building automation and energy management systems can achieve the control requirements and energy efficiency defined in the OPR and BOD, that the control systems requirements are clearly defined, that the sequence of operations and of control are clear and well defined, that the requirements of related equipment are included in the design and that integration is adequately addressed.
G/BA is providing complete Cx services through construction for all mechanical; plumbing; life safety; and building automation, controls and metering systems. Systems to be commissioned include:
- Central heating hot-water boiler plant and chilled water heat exchangers utilizing the campus chilled water system, including variable-speed pumps
- Space cooling and heating at each dwelling unit, which will be provided with a radiant slab system. (Ventilation air will be supplied with a dedicated outside unit with a fixed-plate sensible heat recovery coil.)
- Custom variable air volume (VAV) air handling units (AHUs) serving the common areas, including energy recovery with enthalpy wheels
- Toilet exhaust system
- Variable-volume kitchen exhaust and make-up air systems
- BAS control systems
- Domestic water heating plant with solar-thermal preheat system
- Electrical lighting controls and emergency power generators
G/BA’s Cx services will continue through a post-commissioning period of two years. During this phase, G/BA will coordinate and supervise quarterly site visits to verify that systems continue to operate as intended, update the Systems Manual as applicable, and assist the university and facility staff in developing reports, documents and requests for services to remedy outstanding problems. As part of the overall Cx scope, G/BA will be providing LEED consultation and support. This work includes reviewing LEED IAQ and EA LEED documents, such as the IAQ testing plan, flush-out procedure, measurement and verification plan, and measurement and verification final report.