The Harvest Life church in Woodbridge, VA, is a three-story facility featuring large communal and sanctuary spaces. The mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems were designed by 3S MEP + Structural, delivering a fully coordinated and efficient building systems solution

The mechanical system was designed as a comprehensive and high-performance HVAC solution tailored to serve large assembly spaces, including a high-capacity sanctuary, multi-purpose areas, office, and support spaces. We designed a centralized hydronic system incorporating a variable primary flow chilled water system and a primary-secondary hot water system, enabling efficient load management and operational flexibility across varying occupancy conditions. The system includes chillers, boilers, base-mounted pumps, expansion tanks, air separators, and glycol make-up units, all interconnected through a carefully routed piping system with balancing valves, check valves, and butterfly valves.

Air-side systems were designed using custom Air Handling Units (AHUs) with chilled and hot water coils, connected to Variable Air Volume (VAV) terminal units with electric reheat, allowing precise zone-level temperature control in response to fluctuating occupancy loads. Advanced control strategies were implemented through the Building Automation System (BAS), including demand-controlled ventilation using CO₂ sensors. An Indoor Air Quality Procedure (IAQP) device mitigates airborne contaminants and reduces large outdoor air ventilation demand. Market and kitchen areas are served by Custom AHUs with DX cooling coils connected to outdoor condensing units, while office spaces, a multi-purpose room, and support spaces are conditioned using high-efficiency roof-top units (RTUs). The parking garage mechanical system incorporates gas detection sensors and exhaust fans to monitor and mitigate CO and NOx levels, ensuring compliance with IMC requirements and maintaining a safe environment.

The ventilation and exhaust systems were designed in compliance with ASHRAE standard 90.1 and IMC 2021, incorporating duct smoke detectors, UL-rated fire dampers, and properly sized outside air and exhaust air systems. Dedicated exhaust systems, inline exhaust fans, and roof-mounted equipment were detailed with proper structural support.

The mechanical rooms and equipment layouts were carefully coordinated to ensure constructability and service accessibility, with detailed installation requirements for boilers, pumps, rooftop units, and piping systems. All equipment was selected and coordinated with electrical systems to match power requirements and ensure seamless integration across disciplines.

The plumbing systems were designed to support the building’s high occupancy and varied functional demands, including domestic water, sanitary waste, vent, and grease waste systems. 3S MEP + Structural performed detailed water-demand calculations to size piping and ensure efficient distribution throughout the facility. The design included the selection and layout of plumbing fixtures, water heaters, booster pumps, and recirculation systems to ensure consistent hot-water availability, particularly in high-demand areas such as the kitchen.

Pipe in the gas distribution system, designed to safely deliver natural gas to the Boiler, RTUs, and other gas-fired equipment, was based on appliance load requirements, pressure drop limits, and allowable flow rates to meet relevant codes.

Additionally, the design incorporated backflow prevention, pressure regulation, and energy-efficient water systems to comply with local and international plumbing codes. The team also coordinated plumbing layouts with mechanical and electrical systems to provide a fully integrated MEP solution for the facility.

A comprehensive electrical scope was developed, encompassing the design of lighting systems and power distribution networks in accordance with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). The lighting layouts for corridors and enclosed spaces were designed to comply with IECC standards, ensuring optimized energy efficiency. lighting control strategies—excluding the main sanctuary—were implemented through occupancy, vacancy sensors and time-based control systems to meet the energy codes.

The key challenges in this project were power distribution, compensating voltage drop & value engineering. The overall layout was prepared in full compliance with NEC and IECC requirements while accommodating client specifications. Detailed engineering analyses were conducted, including fault current analysis using ETAP software, load calculations for accurate service sizing, and generator sizing studies to ensure continuity of power supply during outages.

With all 3S MEP projects, a primary focus is on integrating MEP and structural designs with the construction and architectural partners and the end-users to minimize the need for design adjustments or revisions during the construction process. Design teams from 3S MEP actively engage with all stakeholders to identify potential conflicts and optimize the overall system layout. Our teams are exceptionally proficient at harmonizing essential building elements for successful outcomes.