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S
everal years ago, an AI presentation on
energy improvements in buildings got the
attention of some engineers in the audience.
Members of a New Mexico facilities group
were looking for ideas for the State's Manuel
Lujan Building, a two-story 700,000-square
foot, wide open former data center with a
raised floor system, which housed one of the
State's major departments.
Built in the 1970s from concrete with
less than 20% of the exterior walls used for
windows, it looks like a modern version
of a pueblo, said AI's Associate Vice
President, John Lloyd, PE, LEED AP. The
facility was structurally sound but the worn
out MEP systems needed replacing and the
building security needed to be modernized.
"They wanted a different approach
… other proposals weren't addressing the
needs of a reinforced concrete building
with post tension slabs, of the client for
energy efficiency or of the occupant for ac
-
ceptable air quality and a secure modern
office environment with exterior views and
daylight." said Mr. Lloyd.
After a site visit, AI proposed that the
State move out of the building to minimize
employee disruption and construction cost
while the contractors gutted the interior and
replace all mechanical, electrical, plumbing,
and fire protection systems. "The State knew
of an empty office building nearby and
relocated there for 18 months." Mr. Lloyd
said. "Due to the nature of the building, we
couldn't do this section by section."
The building was designed to meet
LEED Silver requirements and has features
such as rainwater collection, a dedicated
outdoor air system, building occupancy
control for HVAC, lighting and daylight
harvesting, high efficiency variable speed
chillers and condensing boilers. Because
of the scope of demolition, new windows,
doors, office furniture systems, interior
Wisdom recognized near and far
'
The building was
designed to meet LEED
Silver requirements.
'
Manuel Lujan Building, Santa Fe, NM
Delivering Infrastructure Solutions