The primary focus of the HVAC design at Boyle County Middle School was to provide an energy-efficient building to reduce operating costs for this large middle school. Variable-speed water-source heat pump units were utilized on the mezzanines to serve classrooms. Energy recovery units with demand-controlled ventilation were used in all classroom areas. VAV boxes were connected to CO2 sensors in all spaces and would modulate to maintain the required CO2 levels and prevent over-ventilation, helping reduce energy use. Office areas used water-cooled VRF systems with separate pumps that ran only when the rest of the building was not occupied, reducing energy use. Wireless controls were used to facilitate easy expansion and reduce initial installation costs.
The electrical design included a full LED lighting fixture package and a networked, programmable digital lighting control system, complete with occupancy sensing, dimming, receptacle load control, and daylight-harvesting devices to maximize energy savings. Local sound systems were provided in the band room, cafeteria, gymnasium, and multipurpose room. Building security considerations included an interior and exterior video surveillance system, access-controlled doors, complete with an emergency lockdown feature. The MEP design also included a full-scale theatrical lighting system for a 500-seat top-of-the-line theater. The theater was designed with flexibility to allow third-party use from other schools in the district, the local theatrical community, and traveling shows.