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MODUS provided full mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineering services for a new 59,810-square-foot high school facility dedicated to vocational training and alternative instruction. Located in Climate Zone 6A, the building features a unique program split: one half houses double-height maker spaces and training bays, while the other half includes two stories of classrooms, labs, and administrative offices.

High-Efficiency HVAC System

At the heart of the building’s energy system is a fully electric heating and cooling plant, designed to meet both sustainability and performance goals. The system utilizes constant-speed screw heat pumps to produce hot and chilled water simultaneously, eliminating the need for a backup boiler. Heat pumps are connected to a geothermal pump-and-inject well system, allowing the building to exchange energy with the earth through a highly efficient and cost-effective method—approved and encouraged by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Ventilation is provided through a dedicated 100% outside air unit (DOAS) with energy recovery, paired with fan coil and blower coil units for temperature control. VAV systems serve administrative and classroom zones, while high-bay vocational areas are supplemented with gas unit heaters for additional comfort and safety.

Indoor Air Quality & Safety

Every space in the building is engineered to meet or exceed ASHRAE 62.1-2016 ventilation standards. Advanced controls and CO₂ monitoring allow dynamic modulation of outdoor air intake based on occupancy. Vocational bays feature gas detection and exhaust systems for CO and NO₂, ensuring occupant safety. A high-efficiency dust collection system in the carpentry bay eliminates airborne particles and returns filtered air to the space, improving IAQ and energy performance.

Cost Savings Through Innovation

This project demonstrates how smart system selection can lead to immediate and long-term cost savings. The geothermal pump-and-inject well system—serving as the building’s heat exchanger—was $565,000 less expensive than a comparable closed-loop vertical well system. The installed constant-speed screw heat pumps also came in at roughly two-thirds the cost of modular alternatives, all while offering simplified operation, competitive replacement options, and long-term maintainability.

Designed for Durability & Efficiency

From durable screw compressor equipment to enhanced thermal envelopes, the entire facility was designed with longevity and operational simplicity in mind. The exterior wall and glazing assemblies exceed code requirements for thermal performance, supporting reduced energy demand year-round.

Sustainability Highlights

• All-electric HVAC design with geothermal exchange
• Demand-controlled ventilation in classrooms
• 70% energy recovery via enthalpy wheel in DOAS
• LED lighting with full control integration (0.51 W/SF average)
• Efficient domestic hot water systems
• Flexible zoning for heating/cooling in vocational bays
• Near-zero water impact with aquifer-return geothermal loop

MODUS is proud to have engineered a future-ready, energy-efficient learning environment that supports technical training and career development in the Waterloo community.