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The use of geothermal system in HVAC systems is a key element in high performance building design. These systems allow for energy to be rejected or extracted from the earth. Close loop systems are designed like a large heat exchanger underground to reject or extract energy from the ground. These systems also have the benefit of reducing or eliminating a systems need for cooling towers and the water evaporated in the towers. This system is a key element in high performance and highly energy conserving HVAC systems.
The use of dedicated outside air systems (DOAS) has become very common in recent years and in high performance buildings. These air handling systems are 100% outside air and can be designed to control the amount of outside air into an occupied space. This allow the ventilation load and associated energy usage to be conserved when the occupants are not in the space or more lightly occupied than peak design. A critical element of high-performance building HVAC systems is the separation of ventilation load from space heating and cooling. This system helps accomplish this important goal and enables the building to save a significant amount of energy.
Our designs can include the use of thermal storage for the purposes of reducing peak energy usage and transferring energy usage from one time to another part of the day, week or month. Thermal storage can be provided o=in many different forms within a building, see below from some of the more common types used.
Our designs include the use of radiant heat transfer to enhance the space comfort. This type of heat transfer allows the occupant to “feel” their surroundings and adapt to a high performance built environment. The system acts to heat and cool occupants and surroundings from fixed elements in the occupied space. The heating and cooling elements include the following;
Our designs include the use of natural ventilation to provide supplemental cooling for high performance spaces. The use of natural ventilations can be added to other systems in a mixed-mode approach to enhance energy efficiency and occupant satisfaction through added ventilation. Thoughtful integration and coordination with the design team is needed for this approach.
Just as temperature and light are key elements of comfort, the quality of a space is also defined by the acoustical environment. In collaboration with the acoustic engineer, our design team will identify the noise and vibration criteria of the specific spaces early in the project. Based on the criteria and type of spaces, noise and vibration control measures such as maximum sound power requirements for equipment, silencers selection, ductwork air velocities, and vibration isolators will be incorporated into the design to maintain the sound level required.
Providing a safe environment for occupants is the primary objective of designing HVAC systems for Laboratories and Healthcare environments. The function of each space is vital in determining the appropriate HVAC system selection and design. Unlike other building types, temperature, humidity, relative static pressure, air motion, air cleanliness, sound, and exhaust are regulated. The basic differences and regulations stem from the following.
Laboratories and healthcare HVAC systems design solutions may significantly affect construction, operation, and maintenance costs. Therefore, our engineers keep abreast of new technologies and regulatory changes that can be incorporated in the system design, contributing to reduced construction costs and energy savings while maintaining a safe environment for occupants.
A hybrid approach to space conditioning combines natural ventilation from operable windows (manually or automated) and traditional mechanical systems with air distribution and refrigeration equipment. Each “mixed-mode” solution is specifically tailored to the uniqueness of a building. This approach to air conditioning offers a few advantages over sealed air-conditioned buildings, such as reduced HVAC energy consumption, higher occupant satisfaction and comfort, and potentially longer life of the mechanical systems.
For specific building types, displacement air distribution might be a very effective cooling alternative strategy. In delivering conditioned air at floor level, the more buoyant, warmer air is displaced and naturally floats to the ceiling; by conditioning only the lower occupied area, energy is saved.
We perform a wide array of energy analyses and modeling to demonstrate compliance with energy codes and support high-performance building goals. We lead the process and work closely with the design team to communicate design insights that will result in high-performance building solutions.
By using ETAP and SKM software simulations, we can participate in:
Once the project is in the hands of the contractor, we are on hand to provide complete construction support services, such as timely reviewing of submittals to routine field observations and reports throughout the construction process. Our coordination with the construction team helps ensure the design intent is delivered according to the owner’s needs and goals while maintaining a budget and avoiding surprises.
With many different solutions available these days, we help compare the variables and weigh the pros and cons on any project along with the associated upfront and long-term costs. Our relationships with industry specialists and subcontractors enable us access to the most up-to-date and accurate figures to help guide your project forward.
With support from our in-house experts at StudioK1, we can design and integrate decorative and exciting concepts with code-compliant controls that are functional and aesthetic. Having the best industry relationships with vendors and manufacturers allows us to fulfill design intent while maintaining budgets.
Our expertise and knowledge of electrical emergency system designs stretch from the smallest inverter to a central utility plant parallel-generator system with N+1redundancy and everything in between. When critical systems are desired or required for your project, we balance the safety and intent of the code with finding the most cost effective and design appropriate solutions available.
Our design capabilities on power system distribution include receptacle and device placement, branch circuiting, lighting and appliance panelboards, distribution boards, switchgear, motor control centers, substations, and beyond. We can cover all aspects of the power distribution system design within your building, site, and campus.
We work hand in hand with clients and their facilities specialists to develop standards and installation methods that are safe, code-compliant, and establish a level of quality that ensures we can maintain an owner’s vision.
Whether it be for an existing parcel looking for an upgrade or a prospective opportunity that requires additional analysis, our services for facility assessment and reporting, equipment analysis, building and site capabilities, and future needs are available to help you determine your next steps.
From multi-buildings to central plants, city blocks, and neighborhoods, we participate with the client to plan and future-proof a campus or project to accommodate electrical service needs and infrastructure.
tk1sc has vast experience in the specialized systems required in the healthcare, laboratory and industrial facilities including:
We provide a variety of sustainable plumbing solutions including:
Water, Waste and Storm Drainage systems are essentials for any facility. At tk1sc we place a high priority on protecting the public health, conserving our limited potable water supply and protecting the environment while meeting our clients needs.
tk1sc's structural engineering team has the subject matter experts and extensive experience providing peer review services on various project types, including constructability reviews, value engineering reviews, expert third-party technical reviews, and forensic review services. Our evaluations have resulted in reduced construction durations, fewer field issues, and substantial cost savings for our clients.
Sustainability is a vital component of tk1sc's approach, and our structural engineering team plays an active role in this effort. As one of the first signatory firms to participate in the SE2050 Challenge, we are committed to reducing embodied carbon in our design, meeting increasingly higher reduction targets, and working toward eliminating embodied carbon in our projects by the year 2050. Moreover, as an integrated design team, we know that our structural design impacts architectural decisions and building systems, substantially impacting a building's energy use. Our team works as active design partners to help select, plan, design, and detail structural systems that complement and integrate with a building's form and systems. tk1sc expertise in sustainable design approaches such as daylighting, shading, and building orientation supports MEP system selection and execution, ensuring your project's resiliency.
Our structural team works directly alongside many contractors and provides design services supporting modular structures and structural steel, light gauge steel, photovoltaic, cladding, MEP, and vertical transportation systems. Our expertise with these systems and our team's ability to provide constructible, cost-effective, and efficient systems make tk1sc a design partner of choice for general and specialty contractors needing structural engineering services.
Our team has worked closely with owners, architects, and interior designers on a wide variety of renovation, tenant improvement, and adaptive reuse projects spanning many different building and project types. We thrive on complex and challenging renovation and adaptive reuse projects and enjoy the technical challenges these projects can present. We thrive on working closely with owners, designers, and contractors on tenant improvement projects to ensure design intent is maintained for forward-facing interior spaces while keeping constructability and cost-effectiveness at the forefront of our work. If your building is due for an upgrade, the tk1sc structures team is here to help.
Our structural team has extensive experience performing seismic evaluations and retrofits of existing building structures. We are experts in applying ASCE 41 and have broad expertise in performing field assessments of existing buildings. We have become a trusted partner for many clients, helping key stakeholders understand the results of these assessments and create a budget and plan for seismic retrofit projects. In addition to evaluation work, we provide structural analysis and retrofit design services for a myriad of buildings, enhancing the safety of these facilities. We work closely with our architectural design partners to ensure that retrofit measures improve the structure's safety and resiliency and support the building's functionality and architectural design intent.
tk1sc's structural engineering team provides design services for new buildings of all sizes and types. Our team combines expert knowledge of the building code and material design standards with practical experience in design and construction while engaging with key project stakeholders to develop shared goals and maintain design intent. This combination results in beautiful, cost-effective, and resilient buildings. Our team includes experts in Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Building Information Modeling (BIM), and parametric design, which allows us to provide industry-leading results to our clients.
Our structural team has industry-leading experience providing structural engineering services for photovoltaic (PV) energy projects. We offer engineering services for PV projects of all types, including rooftop, carport, ground-mount, and building integrated systems. tk1sc supports owners, architects, and PV contractors to provide engineered solutions covering all phases and aspects of PV systems: feasibility analysis of existing facilities, complete design of PV-supporting structures, anchorage design for ballasted systems, and full design of building-integrated and specialty PV systems. Our competent team of structural engineers provides expert guidance and comprehensive design solutions for your PV project.
We are leaders in technical knowledge and application of building energy systems. Our team is closely linked with educational institutions providing teaching and research support. We also offer industry peer training on all topics related to our core services.
tk1sc can provide carbon audit and reporting services to our clients as well as developing Climate Action Plans to address our client’s goals to reduce their greenhouse gas footprint.
Our team has experience with local, state, and national incentive programs related to energy and water savings. We also have unique expertise and experience assisting our clients with their Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program applications and completing California Utility Allowance Calculations (CUAC). Other programs/providers we have provided support for include LADWP, EETAP, SCE, SDG&E, PG&E, RCx, and more.
Measurement and Verification (M&V) is one of our most unique and strongest service offerings. Our cross discipline experience in energy assessment, commissioning, controls design, MEP engineering, incentive support, and in depth understanding of the various M&V protocols allows us to develop cost effective M&V Plans and strategies for all project sizes and complexities.
tk1sc offers a variety of residential services including Home Energy Rating System (HERS) compliance and incentive services. This includes design, construction and testing support for all project types. We offer Strategy, Commissioning (fundamental, enhanced, and monitoring-based), Green Building Support, Auditing, Energy Modeling Simulation, HERS Testing, Incentive & Funding Applications services for homes, multifamily buildings, and midrise residences.
We offer lighting, daylighting, thermal comfort, solar radiation and computational fluid dynamic simulations. Our professionals are experienced with current technology and the requirements for Title 24, ASHRAE, and LEED. Our team is experienced and credentialed in major modeling software programs as well as emerging technologies. The majority of simulations are for energy optimization/models and are widely used for code compliance and green building certification.
tk1sc can assist with CALGreen support, LEED Administration, or Living Building Challenge certification. We cater our services to your project needs ranging from complete green and sustainable project management to energy consulting and recommendations. Whether you are interested in pursuing a green building certification or just looking to optimize efficiency, We are here to help.
There are essentially three levels of energy audits as defined by ASHRAE’s “Procedures for Commercial Energy Audits.” Our engineers are equipped to provide LEED and CALGreen documentation at each level. tk1sc performs audits and commissioning for mechanical, electrical, lighting, plumbing, landscape irrigation and renewable energy systems in both new and existing buildings.
Our professionals are experienced with current technology and the requirements for Title 24, ASHRAE, and LEED. We provide a wide range of energy modeling and simulation services and expertise and have considerable experience using commercial and proprietary energy software and analysis tools. Where software does not exist, we have developed our own tools. Where data is unavailable for modeling, we collect it ourselves.
Our engineers’ broad experience and highly developed analysis capabilities allow us to work on a wide scope of projects. We present the right solution for the project regardless of scale or detail. Our projects range from small remodel projects to large development projects and building portfolios. Our larger master planning projects focus on campus or development wide energy efficiency, central energy plants, and onsite energy generation
Sustainable Design is a consideration in all of our projects. Understanding that any building is a long-term investment and workplace for those who occupy it, sustainable practices must be considered for all building systems. This philosophy continues through the life of a project from early system evaluation and life-cycle costing through construction administration and commissioning services.
If you will be pursuing LEED for your project, Fundamental Commissioning is a prerequisite. Enhanced Commissioning (option 1,path1) earns 3 additional points and Enhanced & Monitoring Based Commissioning (option 1, path 2) earns 4 additional points. Our team will verify the equipment and systems operate per the Owner's Project Requirements(OPR), Basis of Design (BOD), and construction documents. Systems to be commissioned include mechanical including controls, plumbing including domestic hot water systems, pumps, and controls, electrical including service, distribution, lighting, and controls, and renewable energy systems such as solar or wind. Whether you're looking to achieve certified silver, gold, or platinum, tk1sc can deliver.
If you are a part of a new construction project or first-generation tenant improvement over 10,000 square feet, tk1sc can help you fulfill the commissioning requirements. Our team of commissioning specialists will verify the equipment and systems operate per the Owner's Project Requirements(OPR), Basis of Design (BOD), and construction documents. Systems to be commissioned are mechanical, including controls, plumbing, domestic hot water systems, pumps, controls, electrical lighting and controls, landscape irrigation, and renewable energy, including photovoltaic or wind. Whether you are looking to build a core and shell office space, complete build to suit, schools, labs, entertainment venues, or a local coffee shop, tk1sc would like to partner with you.
Critical Building Commissioning is not a building code or LEED requirement; it is essential for the end-user. This in-depth approach requires verification of all systems, mechanical, controls, domestic hot water, electrical including normal power, emergency power, load shedding, lighting controls. An Integrated Systems Test is performed, ensuring all systems function in unison throughout all scenarios. This may also include other miscellaneous security, technology, or life safety systems as determined in collaboration with the owner. tk1sc has the subject matter experts that can assist you and your team.
tk1sc understands that sustainable energy efficiency and environmental quality are whole-building issues. Being aware of multi-discipline programming requirements is critically important to our design team and our clients. Understanding the impact of all trades is key to the seamless integration of our systems into an environmentally responsible building design. We have the depth of commissioning resources to respond to your needs cost-effectively with a highly dedicated group of Cx specialists with specific skill sets and those who have experience in multiple disciplines.
Controls systems commissioning is a customized approach to meet the goals and requirements of the individual projects. Verifying point to point, sensor calibration, sequence functionality, and optimization is vital to ensuring the functionality and longevity of a project for the owner and end-user. At tk1sc, we excel at understanding the complexity of control systems.
Fire Suppression Systems commissioning includes witnessing and documenting the fire sprinkler, fire pump, control valves, fire alarm panel, fire dampers, special suppression systems, and all associated equipment. As building safety systems become more complex, the need for an additional layer of testing is necessary. Our fire protection group at tk1sc can help with your project requirements.
If you or your client is considering upgrades to a facility to enhance the energy usage or seeking an energy star score, an ASHRAE Level 1Audit is a great place to start. This process will identify the building base energy usage and compare it to buildings with similar profiles. A visual inspection reveals and identifies apparent issues, and all no or low-cost areas of improvement are included in a report and reviewed with the team. A Level 2Audit uses the Level 1 Audit as the framework and builds from that. The building energy use is broken down by end-use, helping to identify areas with the most significant enhancement opportunities. Interviews with key building operations staff are necessary to understand how the building operates and define the financial and non-financial goals of the audit. A Level 2 audit helps to justify the costs to implement any changes. Reach out to the tk1sc commissioning if you think your building is a good candidate.
The construction document review process includes a thorough review of all the construction documents, including drawings, specifications, and basis of design against the owners' project requirements to ensure encapsulation of all the project requirements in the contract documents. At tk1sc, we consider this review vital to all commissioning projects as it allows for corrective measures to address issues before construction. Document review is required for new construction projects larger than 10,000 square feet in California, any LEED projects, or at the owner's discretion.
If you are looking to get an existing building or space LEED-certified, existing building commissioning can provide up to 4 points. The LEED process includes two separate credits for commissioning: analysis (2 points) and implementation (2 points). The analysis process will consist of an in-depth review of the current maintenance and performance of the building against the original design requirements. The implementation process takes the items identified and approved by ownership during the analysis phase and confirms their implementation. Both steps - analysis and implementation are vital to guaranteeing your building operates at its peak performance. The tk1sc commissioning team can help you navigate this process.
Re-Commissioning consists of repeating the Cx process on a previously commissioned project. Over time systems degrade, and sequences or building systems are often changed throughout the building that negatively impacts performance. Recommissioning certifies that the building, regardless of the changes, is adjusted to optimal performance to meet or exceed the designed energy metrics. This process includes verifying all energy-consuming systems to ensure the building owner is not paying more to operate their building than necessary. The re-commissioning process should occur approximately every five years or as needed depending on the facility or end-user requirements. The tk1sc commissioning team can help you determine if your facility is a good candidate.
Retro-Commissioning is the application of the commissioning process to an existing building not previously commissioned. Retro-Commissioning includes site observations to visually inspect the mechanical, controls, lighting, electrical, and plumbing systems and trend data analysis for facilities with a building automation system. The Commissioning Authority provides a list of energy conservation measures, including the payback period and functional testing of the systems listed above. Whether you're looking to verify functionality, improve energy efficiency or optimize ventilation rates, tk1sc can work with you and your team to determine the best course of action.
Emergency Power Systems Commissioning includes testing the Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS), Distribution Systems including panelboards, distribution boards, switchgear, generator, battery storage, and all other equipment required for the Emergency Power Systems. Each piece of equipment is tested individually for proper operation. After individual testing is complete, a whole system or Integrated Systems Test is conducted to confirm all the connected systems transfer between normal and emergency power without issue. If your facility has a complex emergency power system, the tk1sc commissioning team is here to help.
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