Location: CHICAGO, IL 60621
Services: Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing
Category: Religious 

Area: 10,050 sq. Ft
Software: Revit 2025, HAP5.1, Bluebeam.

3S MEP provided Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) design and drafting services for a church project located in Chicago, IL 60621.

The Mechanical team performed detailed heating and cooling load calculations to determine the HVAC requirements for the sanctuary, common areas, and administrative offices. A key focus of the mechanical design was the HVAC system serving the sanctuary, where maintaining both thermal comfort and architectural aesthetics was essential. The ductwork layout was carefully coordinated to remain visually organized and aligned with the ceiling design, lighting fixtures, and architectural elements within the sanctuary. This required close collaboration with the architectural and electrical teams to ensure the duct routing maintained a clean and aesthetically pleasing appearance while delivering efficient air distribution. In addition to the sanctuary, HVAC systems were designed to serve the church’s common gathering spaces, circulation areas, and office rooms, ensuring balanced airflow, proper ventilation, and energy-efficient operation throughout the building.

The Plumbing team designed the domestic water, sanitary waste, and stormwater drainage systems for the church facility. The design included the selection and placement of plumbing fixtures in accordance with applicable plumbing codes and project requirements. Integration with the building layout was carefully planned to ensure efficient routing and maintenance accessibility. In addition, the team designed the natural gas piping system to safely supply gas to HVAC equipment and other gas-fired appliances. Gas piping was sized based on equipment loads, allowable pressure drops, and applicable code standards to ensure safe and reliable system performance.

The electrical scope was executed to include the detailed design of the lighting system with lighting control strategies, power distribution, and a conceptual fire alarm system, all in accordance with the requirements of the National Electrical Code (NEC), International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), and NFPA 72. The lighting system was designed using energy-efficient methodologies, incorporating occupancy sensors, daylight-responsive controls, and time-based control schemes to ensure compliance with IECC energy performance criteria.

A key challenge was addressed in integrating and utilizing existing building electrical infrastructure to supply the new systems while maintaining code compliance and system reliability. The overall electrical layout was developed in full compliance with applicable NEC and IECC standards, while also aligning with client-specific requirements. The fire alarm system layout was conceptually designed to meet NFPA 72 requirements, ensuring proper device placement, notification coverage, and system coordination for life safety compliance.

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.