Location: White Bear Lake, MN
Services: Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing
Category: Education-Day care center
Area: 10,730 sq. Ft
Software: AutoCAD, HAP 5.11, Bluebeam, COMcheck, McQuay Dutsizer

3S MEP provided comprehensive mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) design services,for the Minnesota School located in White Bear Lake. The project at the Higher Ground School, covering 10730 sq.ft and involving Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) work in both the Nido and Toddler rooms, was a detailed and thorough initiative designed to guarantee the utmost functionality, safety, and comfort for the young occupants. The focus of the design was on occupant comfort, proper ventilation, and the efficient delivery of heating, cooling, plumbing, lighting, and power services.

The building is designed and renovated into a daycare center for both levels. This posed the biggest challenge to coordinating with inter-discipline due to ceiling height constrain.

The plumbing team designed the complete Domestic and sanitary system for the building making provision of domestic water, disposal of sanitary waste, and the implementation of a grease system catering to kitchen services. Our primary emphasis revolved around guaranteeing adequate supply, effective drainage, and compliance with plumbing standards and codes. Meticulous attention was devoted to the choice of plumbing fixtures to satisfy the distinct domestic water requirements of the school facility.

Electrical design services included lighting and power layouts that considered both functionality and energy efficiency. The team conducted load calculations to determine the electrical demand and designed the electrical system accordingly. Developed a Single Line Diagram (SLD) to illustrate the electrical connections and distribution within the facility.

The HVAC system was designed using a furnaces, and condensing units with  economizer systems as needed for optimal heating, cooling, and ventilation. We designed an adequate HVAC system to meet the requirements of multi-utility facilities such as toddlers, Nido, Children’s Houses, kitchenettes, restrooms, and other areas within the school. Special attention was given to utilized Wall cap for efficient air intake and exhaust, maintaining proper pressure in each room for human comfort.

The project encountered multiple challenges that needed to be addressed. Firstly, ensuring ample ventilation and maintaining a comfortable environment for the occupants throughout the facility was a key concern, particularly due to the specific requirements of an early childhood education building. Additionally, a major focus was placed on avoiding any modifications that could potentially disrupt the overall project timeline and budget. Throughout the MEP project, strict adherence to ICC codes was paramount, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and guaranteeing the highest standards of safety and quality.