NASA RESEARCH SUPPORT BUILDING

HEAPY provided mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and technology engineering design for the new Research Support Building at the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio. The Research Support Building is part of the second phase of a multi-year Facility Master Plan to revitalize the central campus, including renovation and replacement of World War II era campus buildings.

The new building provides research office space for 160 occupants, as well as a kitchen and cafeteria, exchange store, training and conference rooms, and social and common areas. The 60,000 square-foot facility features flexible and adaptive space with multiple breakout areas and concurrent engineering rooms, as well as low partition workspace to encourage teamwork and collaboration. The facility pays homage to the historic campus on which it sits, reflecting an industrial and functional aesthetic. Health and wellness were at the forefront of the design, featuring abundant natural light and biophilic design to improve occupant health and wellness.

High voltage (2.4kV) power was extended to the building’s new primary transformer with future expansion of a second separate service of similar voltage incorporated into the design. The electrical design also included space and system planning for the expansion of a future emergency generator. Design included short circuit analysis, both interior and exterior lighting, occupancy and vacancy sensors, daylight harvesting, lightning protection and grounding, fire alarm/life safety, and security and access controls.

Direct buried pre-engineered high-pressure steam and condensate piping was extended to the building’s pressure reducing station and steam-to-hot water converters from the campus steam utility mains to serve as the building’s main source of heat. Chilled water was also extended to the building from a campus main for comfort cooling. The design included traditional variable volume air handling units and air terminal units, packaged dedicated outdoor air system for kitchen makeup air, kitchen hood exhaust and relief, dual-cool computer room air handling unit for the main data room, and radiant floor heating system for spaces with large glass exposures.

The center has achieved LEED Gold BD+C certification, designed to exceed modern building energy efficiency standards and to accommodate future renewable energy systems.

SERVICES

Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing Design

Fire Protection Design

Technology Design

SIZE

60,000 SF

COST

$30,000,000