GOVERNMENT / SUBCONTRACTOR

Fort Wainwright

439 Child Development Center

Information about the project: 

This 41,000-square-foot Child Development Center was delivered as a design-build project to serve the dependents of military personnel, from infants through pre-school age. The facility was designed to meet the highest standards for safety, comfort, and energy efficiency, while supporting the unique operational needs of a military installation.

As part of the project approach, all building systems were reviewed by the contractor for constructability, maintainability, and cost-efficiency prior to implementation. Utility service connections— including direct-bury steam, condensate, water, and sewer—were installed by others and tied into the post’s existing utilidor utility tunnel system.

The mechanical scope included a comprehensive range of systems designed to ensure comfort, indoor air quality, and reliable year-round operation:

• Chilled Water System: Central chillers distribute chilled water to air coils and fan coil units throughout the building for effective cooling and humidity control.

• Heating System: Steam-to-glycol heat exchangers supply a glycol distribution system that serves radiant floor heating slabs, fan coil units, and unit heaters, ensuring thermal comfort even in harsh winter conditions.

• Steam Humidification: A steam-based humidification system with water pretreatment supports healthy indoor air quality tailored to the needs of young children.

• Ventilation: A fully integrated building ventilation system ensures continuous air exchange and filtration across all occupied spaces.

All mechanical systems and equipment were designed and installed with seismic bracing in accordance with applicable codes, ensuring the facility meets resiliency and safety standards in seismic-prone areas.