145,000 ft2

Square footage

$2,983,185

Total investment

35%

Reduced Mechanical Construction Costs

Opportunity

Located on the campus of Case Western Reserve University, the Temple Tifereth-Israel is a historic Jewish temple built in 1924 and listed in 1974 in the National Registry of Historic Places. When the building was donated to CWRU to be renovated into a Performing Arts Center, Brewer-Garrett was selected as a Design-Assist partner for the renovation team. The extremely challenging construction conditions, budget restraints, and tight schedule made this project an ideal candidate for Design-Assist.

Solution

In collaboration with the design and engineering teams, we developed the best solutions to optimize this project. Our team worked closely with the design team to optimize this project, and our field personnel worked with the engineering team to investigate challenging field conditions prior to final design completion. This process provided the engineering team with valuable resources to ensure their planned routing was explored and coordinated during the design phase.

The final design consisted of Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems, Variable Air Volume (VAV) systems with hot water reheat, Underfloor Air Distribution (UFAD), Gas Fired Condensing Heating Hot Water Boilers, and Direct Expansion (DX) Cooling.

Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems
VRF systems are known for their energy efficiency, which makes them a good investment that quickly pays for itself. And because they can simultaneously provide heating and cooling, this system can be customized to the Maltz Center’s seasonal needs.

Variable Air Volume (VAV) systems with hot water reheat
VAV systems vary the airflow at a constant temperature, which makes them a consistent and reliable source for specific heating and cooling needs. And because the airflow changes based on need, it wears less on the compressor.

Under-floor Air Distribution (UFAD)
Not only is UFAD very energy efficient, but it can be a more suitable option for spaces where the layout is restricted or confined. Its improved ventilation efficiency means that it combines unparalleled flexibility with peak performance.

Direct Expansion (DX) Cooling
In addition to being more energy efficient, DX coolers are also more space efficient. And because this system can be expanded, they’re a good option for buildings that might change in size or purpose.

Results

The Design-Assist model and extensive coordination ensured that field driven change orders were minimized, RFIs were coordinated faster, and project risk was eliminated. The teamwork built between the architectural, engineering, construction and our design-assist team members ultimately led to a successful fast-tracked project that delivered 35% savings to CWRU.