Commercial Architecture June 2017 - 22

PROJECT

hvac
The Alchemist Brewery owners wanted
a space that was as efficient as it was
alluring. Trane HVAC systems helped deliver the result.
Inset. A Trane Performance Climate
Changer air handler with a CDQ (Cool,
Dry, Quiet) wheel handles dehumidification and space cooling demands.

Humidity-Control HVAC
For IPA Brew
Design/build and control system
supports brewing process.

hen people walk in the door, their

sponsibility of the brewery," he said. Kimmich recog-

the kind of place where you want to be from everyone's

jaws drop," said John Kimmich,

nized the impact of the beer-brewing process itself and

point of view," said Kimmich.

co-owner and head brewer at The Al-

the number of wash-down and boiling procedures in-

The brewery's construction manager brought the

chemist Brewery. "The natural light, the energy efficien-

volved. The brewing process often creates a humid envi-

VHV Co., Winooski, VT, in as their design/build con-

cy of the building-it's a church to beer."

ronment, so humidity control was billed as a top priority

tractor based on the company's knowledge of the brewery

as construction on the second Alchemist facility began to

process and experience with brewery applications. With

take shape.

a trusted relationship that spans more than 17 years,

The original Alchemist location opened in Waterbury, VT, in 2003. After eight years of success, co-owners
John and Jen Kimmich decided to open a second loca-

It was critical to control humidity for the space and

VHV contacted Trane, Davidson, NC, to discuss project

tion in Stowe, VT, to help meet their growing production

keep the process equipment and floors as dry as possible

challenges and the best mix of heating, ventilation, and

needs. The second location of The Alchemist Brewery

to avoid the possibility of patrons slipping and falling in

air-conditioning (HVAC) equipment and controls to sup-

was built with a vision of breaking from fluorescent-lit

the tasting room. Of course, creating a comfortable envi-

port the operation.

monotony to create a beautiful, inviting space for beer

ronment was also top of mind, with the brewery hoping

enthusiasts to come together, relax, and enjoy the brew-

to maintain a 74 F indoor temperature and proper venti-

IMPROVING EFFICIENCY

ery's nationally respected Heady Topper IPA.

lation in the open floor plan.

An 80-ton, high-efficiency, air-cooled Trane CGAM

When Kimmich set out to build the brewery's Stowe

The town of Stowe also had odor-control and

scroll chiller was selected to meet the facility's needs.

facility, he was determined to create a space that was as

waste-handling requirements for the brewery to abide by,

Featuring onboard pumps with variable-frequency drive,

efficient as it was alluring. "We wanted to make use of the

which influenced the construction plans. "We wanted to

the chiller reduces energy use and creates a comfortable

natural light, while considering the environmental re-

keep our environmental responsibility in mind, to create

environment for employees and visitors. With a limited

COMMERCI A L A RCHI T EC T URE

JUNE 2017

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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Commercial Architecture June 2017