The primary focus of the HVAC design on HCS East Middle School was to provide a very energy-efficient building to reduce operating costs for this large middle school. Two-stage water-source heat pump units were located on the mezzanine level, serving classrooms below. These units operate at part-load capacities and reduce the amount of energy used when classrooms are minimally occupied. Energy recovery units with demand-controlled ventilation provide fresh air to the entire facility. Utilizing the mezzanine allows for equipment to be maintained without disrupting instruction.
Building security considerations included an interior and exterior video surveillance system and access-controlled doors with an emergency lockdown feature. The building entry is secured with card access control and IP security cameras throughout. The entire facility is protected by an addressable voice-evacuation fire alarm system, and emergency lighting and life safety systems are powered by an on-site generator.
High-efficiency LED lighting systems are installed throughout the facility, with automatic lighting controls that use occupancy sensors, automatic time-of-day scheduling, daylight harvesting, and user-adjustable dimming controls. Color-tuning lighting controls improve the learning environment of special needs classrooms on demand. Exterior lighting also incorporates motion-sensor dimming to reduce energy use without compromising campus security. A full-scale theatrical lighting system was provided for the 500-seat theater.