Science & Technology Qualifications

California State University, Northridge, Science Buildings 3 & 4

Los Angeles, CA

TYPE: SIZE:

Tenant Improvement 75,000 SF

The project consisted primarily of retrofit of mechanical systems for two science buildings of nearly 75,000 SF. The buildings are mostly science classrooms of which numerous classrooms had several laboratory fume hoods. The buildings were under extreme negative air pressures resulting in adverse interior conditions, issues with doors opening and closing, and posing potential hazards. CSUN believed the proper solution was going to be additional make up air handling units. Such a solution would have been costly, disruptive, and operationally expensive. S&K studied existing plans and operational characteristics, and our findings were that make up air capacity was more than adequate, but it was not being controlled or operated correctly. Further investigation determined that the existing pneumatic control systems had been seriously damaged by the 1994 Northridge earthquake. The most cost effective solution was to install a new Direct Digital Control (DDC) system. S&K designed the new DDC system, and the problems were solved. In addition to resolving the pressurization problems, the new DDC system also increased occupant comfort and realized substantial energy savings.