ASHRAE Journal - July 2024 - 59

2024 ASHRAE TECHNOLOGY AWARDS CASE STUDY
TABLE 1 Annual EUI (kBtu/ft2·yr).
Receptacle
Lighting
Misc. Electricity
Fans + Pumps
Cooling
DHW
Heating
Total
90.1-2007
17.19
9.95
7.04
24.46
16.49
6.47
138.48
220.1
PROJECTED
17.19
7.33
7.04
18.77
7.90
6.04
40.87
105.1
ACTUAL
30.9
7.2
33.1
71.1
The animal research lab included procedure, holding
and feeding spaces designed for 10 ach and differential
pressure monitors on the entrance of each space for
visual verification of proper space pressurization.
Vivarium spaces were served with a dedicated 100%
outdoor AHU equipped with humidification from the
campus steam distribution system. The spaces are
always maintained at 30%-60% relative humidity (RH)
levels so as to not adversely affect research.
Occupant thermal comfort was an important driver
in the design of the building and its systems. Perimeter
radiation was used at all window exposures to offset
winter conduction losses. In labs and classrooms, active
chilled beams mix room air with ventilation air through
induction. Air currents and velocities were designed
under 50 fpm (0.25) in the occupied zones. To prevent
condensation on chilled beams and piping, humidity is
tightly controlled under 56°F (13.3°C) dew point (<55°F
[<12.8°C] RH). Space temperatures are maintained in
the lab at 72°F-74°F (22.2°C-23.3°C), slightly lower than
normal temperature due to the metabolic activity in the
labs (mix between standing and sitting) and the fact that
occupants wear lab coats and gloves. These factors were
included in the ASHRAE Standard 55-2013 PMV Thermal
Comfort model.
INNOVATION
Cutting edge at the time, Albert Kahn's original Kraus
Building incorporated a series of dedicated shafts
circling the perimeter of the courtyard-facing interior
walls allowing individual supply and exhaust duct risers
from the first floor to the roof serving discipline-based
research. Accompanying the individual duct risers were
scattered, individual AHUs and exhaust fans serving
each program. The dispersed nature of the systems
limited flexibility for evolving research needs and
complicated system maintainability. Integrated into the
new infilled courtyard skylight system is a consolidated
mechanical penthouse that houses 100% DOAS with
dual energy recovery wheels and a mechanical duct
ring that connects to each original, individual duct
riser. The reduction in overall airflow inherent in the
DOAS system allowed for smaller AHUs to fit into a
condensed footprint at the top of the infill and full reuse
of existing shaft space. The DOAS approach allowed
for usable square footage to be maximized for valuable
program space, limited structural impact of siting heavy
equipment on a 100+ year old structure and centralized
equipment for maintainability.
The duct ring simplifies system balancing and fire
damper maintenance, limits overall sheet metal
quantity and decreases fan energy, which is typically a
major driver of energy consumption. The mechanical
penthouse integrates into the atrium skylight aesthetics.
The original exterior solid masonry walls were not
insulated. Adding insulation could separate the solid
masonry wall from the heat of the interior, potentially
creating swings in temperature. Using advanced
energy modeling, the team evaluated numerous
envelope improvements including adding insulation,
replacing windows, replacing windows and frames
and an all-encompassing option of full windows and
frame replacement with added insulation. Advanced
performance and energy modeling allowed the team
to rapidly generate comprehensive scenario and
architectural design variation analyses starting from
the earliest stages of planning. This approach gave the
owner the most comprehensive set of data possible upon
which to make key capital spending decisions. Adding
insulation was shown to increase the freeze/thaw cycles
by a factor of ten, causing damage to the mass wall.
This would require a heightened awareness of varying
façade conditions and proactive maintenance. With
this understanding, the team recommended not to
introduce insulation into the envelope assembly.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
The project team implemented design strategies
that significantly lower Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions.
Many of the strategies implemented at the Kinesiology
Building have since been written into the University
Commitment to Carbon Neutrality. 
J U LY 2024 ashrae.org ASHRAE JOURNAL
59
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ASHRAE Journal - July 2024

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