University of Houston - Calhoun Lofts

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Owner: University of Houston
Architect: Kirksey Architecture
MEP Engineer: Infrastructure Associates
General Contractor: Tellepsen Builders
Construction Cost: $107.8 Million         

PROJECT BACKGROUND
The University of Houston required the construction and design of a 100+ million dollar, 450,000 SF of housing for graduate and senior students. The University also required an extension of chilled water lines available from the central plant distribution system. This was a 1,000-bedroom project, and featured contemporary living spaces, learning spaces, recreational areas, and retail spaces. Infrastructure Associates, Inc. was selected by Kirksey Architecture to provide MEP services for this graduate high rise apartment. 
 
MECHANICAL DESIGN
The Mechanical system implemented was designed with efficiency and environmental safety in mind. Each apartment unit contains it's own individual temperature controlled HVAC unit. The chilled water lines design replacement was done by installing four-hundred feet of new chilled water line within an accessible concrete vault through a ventilated tunnel to the Calhoun Lofts facility.
 
ELECTRICAL DESIGN
Power was provided from the central plant, and  the electrical feed was ran along the same walk-in utility tunnel as the chilled water lines. Efficient lighting, power, and life-safety system design was implemented, and security and communications lines were placed to coincide with existing campus-wide student safety measures.
 
PLUMBING DESIGN
The plumbing system was designed with efficiency, and environmental safety in mind.