STATE OF THE ART – INSIDE AND OUT

An Inside Look at Parq Vancouver

Touted as the largest private development in British Columbia, Parq Vancouver delivers on it’s intent to be a world-class venue. From it’s opulent exterior to it’s luxurious and contemporary interior spaces, Parq’s architectural requirements challenged those that designed the buildings mechanical systems.

Rethinking Airflow Control

The Parq’s architectural detailing is evident in floors, walls and even in ceilings throughout the 700,000 square foot structure. Trapped behind the ornate ceilings are much of the buildings mechanical systems, including it’s HVAC systems. A US company, Metropolitan Air Technology (MAT), delivered a unique airflow adjustment solution that met the project’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification requirements and high design standards.

MAT’s remotely operated balancing dampers allow airflow adjustment inside air ducts without the need for access through large panels or breaking through hard finished ceilings. The dampers are controlled by rotary actuation cables that are routed inside the airstream and adjusted at the face of the air outlet. This eliminates the need for unsightly access panels. Over 1000 dampers were installed in Parq Vancouver.

The company also offers a product line with a cable that is routed outside of the airstream and adjusted at ceiling or wall surface termination points as small as 25mm in diameter. A battery-powered line allows easy routing of wiring to a central control room, avoiding visible termination points in common areas altogether.

The project’s architectural demands and desire to meet LEED Gold standards challenged conventional methods for heating and cooling airflow systems.

Making Green a Priority

Parq’s architects prioritized the use of natural light, green spaces and sustainable materials as part of the plan to meet LEED Gold certification standards. The entire project features sustainable design that consumes fewer resources, generates less waste, costs less to operate, and achieves a reduced carbon footprint.

As members of the U.S. Green Building Council, MAT designs their products to aid in LEED certification of the buildings in which they are installed.

Keeping Occupants Comfortable

Airflow balancing and testing is typically performed after building interiors are completed. When damper access is restricted balancing is often avoided and heating and cooling efficiencies are lost. A properly balanced HVAC system provides the most efficient heating and cooling throughout, and as important, it improves occupant comfort.

MAT’s remotely operated dampers have been installed in many well-known buildings throughout the world, including the Field Museum in Chicago, Harvard University, John Hopkins Hospital, Tiffany & Co, Walt Disney World and Shanghai Disney, Art Gallery of Ontario, Trump Tower of Chicago, and the Hamad International Airport.