The Docking State Office Building in Topeka, Kansas melds together historic preservation and modern, sustainable mechanical systems to create a space with energy efficient performance and occupant health and wellness in mind. Henderson Engineers' design of hydronic and airside mechanical systems outpaced previously benchmarked energy goals, helping the annual utility cost savings come in over 50% less than a typical code compliant building.
Through the use of building assemblies and glazing systems to reduce overall building load and an energy-efficient HVAC system, the building's energy expenditure is reduced. Multiple passive pretreatment methods, including a thermal labyrinth, which cuts the building's ventilation cooling load by 95% and heating load by 77%, and transpired solar collectors, are utilized to condition the outdoor air centrally. This results in significant energy savings.
All ventilation air flows through "the lungs" of the building: the atrium. It's collected by another 100% outdoor unit and delivered to one side of dual duct boxes. When less conditioning is required, the decoupling of ventilation air saves fan energy.
Learn more here about how our sustainable and regenerative design approach on this project helps the State of Kansas further their energy and sustainability goals.
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