Overview

We provided engineering and design services to assist lead architect, Voith & Mactavish Architects, LLP (VMA), with major building renovations at Lincoln University’s Vail Hall. We analyzed and provided recommendations for modern, maintainable, and sustainable mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) buildings systems.

Located on the University’s 422-acre southern Chester County, PA campus, Vail Hall, used primarily as an administrative office building, underwent renovations to the historic 1800s building, and received a new addition that replaced the 1950s rear addition.

This project involved a comprehensive engineering investigation and subsequent design of mechanical and electrical systems for the renovation of Vail Hall. The design team collaborated with VMA to ensure the building met modern performance standards and the University’s goal for sustainability and life cycle cost optimization.

Energy Modeling

The Pennsylvania Department of General Services (PADGS) requested the building meet certain energy requirements, noting that new or major renovations buildings must meet high performance standards by achieving a 10% energy consumption reduction over requirements set forth by ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2016.

We conducted baseline and proposed building energy simulations to ensure that the building was designed to meet the 10+% energy reduction, as per ASHRAE standards. The simulations showed the proposed build would far exceed the national average for office buildings by 48%, with a 41% reduction in annual energy cost and a 61% reduction in annual energy consumption.

Mechanical

Vail Hall’s HVAC system was proving to be an issue with poor operation and equipment noise issues in the office setting. The existing system was a water source heat pump system with console heat pumps throughout the building. While the preferred new system was a variable air volume (VAV) system, suspected low floor to floor heights wouldn’t allow for large ductwork.

We reviewed and proposed three alternative systems including a Package Rooftop VAV with Gas Fired Hot Water, Indoor VAV Air Handlers (AHU) with Remote Condensing Units (CU) and Gas Fired Hot Water Boilers, and, lastly, an Indoor VAV AHUs with Geothermal Water to Water Boilers and Chillers.

The last option was selected for energy performance. The final design included VAV systems with hot water reheat, geothermal heat pumps with closed-loop geothermal wells, perimeter radiation in the existing building, and integration with campus BACnet-based Building Automation System (BAS). The geothermal wells also serve the University’s Cresson Hall, an adjacent building to Vail Hall.

Electrical

The electrical design for Vail Hall included a new medium voltage feeder provided from the existing medium voltage switch outside Cresson Hall to a new exterior pad mounted transformer to serve Vail Hall, and a secondary feeder to be routed from the exterior transformer to a new main distribution panel located in the electrical room.

Emergency power was provided via a natural gas generator, supporting life safety systems and emergency lighting. The lighting design incorporated high-efficiency LED fixtures with advanced controls including occupancy sensors, daylight harvesting, and dimming, all compliant with ASHRAE standards.

A fully addressable fire alarm and mass notification system was installed, along with infrastructure for telecommunications and audiovisual systems, ensuring seamless integration with university standards and future-ready connectivity.

Plumbing

We provided all necessary plumbing design for new plumbing systems throughout the renovated building and the new addition. Necessary design included storm drainage, domestic water, and sanitary drainage as needed to support the programming of the spaces and the building’s infrastructure.

Additionally, we conducted a code review to determine if the building was required to be sprinklered and provided all necessary fire protection design.

The renovation’s MEP design for Vail Hall demonstrates a successful integration of sustainable engineering practice, energy-efficient design, and modern infrastructure to support the University’s long-term operational goals.