RISE student housing facility

Authorized Dealer Nexgen Automation installed a Reliable Controls building automation system during construction of this 12-story building LEED Silver–certified in downtown State College designed to house 570 students in apartment-style living.

Networked hardware for this project include MACH-ProSys controllers with smoke control and MACH-Pro2 controllers expanded with MACH-ProPoint modules. A MACH-ProWebCom controller provides the user interface for the control system.

Mechanical equipment includes a water-source heat pump loop with variable speed pumps, a cooling tower, and three boilers. The system maintains the temperature of the loop to maximize efficiency. Supply air is provided by six energy-recovery units integrated with the building automation system. The underground parking garage is controlled with variable speed exhaust fans that detect dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.

The smoke-control system was a last-minute addition to the scope of work. Nexgen Automation implemented a complex smoke evacuation sequence that achieves proper pressurization and smoke evacuation for the building in the event of an emergency. All smoke control equipment, panels, controllers, and wiring had to be procured and installed on a tight schedule. Nexgen wrote, tested, and validated the programming for exhaust fans, smoke dampers, and an annunciator panel. Nexgen’s team of professionals delivered a complete, UUKL-verified system that ensures a healthy environment for students and residents.