Longwood University | Student Center

Integral Group provided mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design services for this state-of-the-art student center. The building is located at the center of the campus and, as such, will become the campus “Village Center.” The student center will be visible from all sides; as a result, there is no back side for services and utilities; loading docks, trash dumpsters, generators, and transformers are integrated and hidden within the building façade. A chilled water plant is located at grade with steam provided by the central campus plant.

Displacement ventilation is planned for the conference center, ballroom, and other high-volume areas. Radiant heating and cooling are planned for the office areas. The large kitchen hoods and the high ventilation needs will be satisfied by pre-treating outside air with dedicated outside air units with energy recovery and desiccant wheels. Capturing the energy exhausted through the hoods is being considered. Large windows and the two atria will bring the outdoors indoors and provide generous daylighting. Depending on the orientation, the building’s interior lighting will shut down when sufficient daylight is available. State-of-the-art communication will be provided to inform, notify, direct and allow access to the campus networks throughout the facility.