The team has been helpful not only in design but also during construction. The response and communications have been good and prompt. We appreciate Tamara and Bassam being very quick in responding to RFIs, especially during construction when things are moving very rapidly.
Project Type
Education
Location
Los Angeles, California
Project Size
50,000 square feet
Date of Completion
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Architect/Client
Gruen Associates
Cheder Menachem School
Mr. Poan Chen
Owner / Founder,
CSM Partners
Project Overview
Working with long-term partner Gruen Architects, this project was a ground up, new-build construction of a Jewish Orthodox K-8 grade school located in Los Angeles, California. The project creates a dynamic learning environment that balances educational needs with opportunities for collaboration, recreation, and spiritual growth.
Project Scope
The project includes modern classrooms, administrative offices, gymnasium, sanctuary, library, meeting rooms and a rooftop playground organized around a cohesive campus layout that encourages connection and community interaction. Sustainability and long-term performance were important considerations in the design approach. The project incorporates energy-efficient building systems, high-performance building envelopes, high indoor air quality and low noise HVAC system to support a healthy learning environment with operational efficiency.
Services
Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Design and Commissioning
Highligths
Hybrid VRF and traditional rooftop package units HVAC systems were desired. Structural coordination for the extra weight of a VRF condensing unit system was necessary. Detailed refrigerant leakage calculations were completed to meet CalGreen requirements. A second level kitchen meant additional coordination with all trades to ensure the best location for a new grease interceptor. Electrical utility service required a 3500A, 208/120V, 3ph system from a below-grade customer service station, resulting in extensive coordination with LADWP. Normal photometric lighting calculations were performed to assure specific lighting level requirements were met in specialty areas such as the sanctuary, gym, and library. Emergency / life safety requirements were met through inverter design for the elevator, given a generator was not a viable option.
