KFI was tasked with replacing a deteriorated dormitory with a new home for over 40 deaf and hard-of-hearing students and staff with careful acoustic and vibration mitigation. For a similar building, multiple colored flashing strobes are typically used, which can cause confusion and annoyance. The project required careful consideration for variable lighting levels and physical features, such as abnormal room and hallway dimensions. Some students are still learning to read, so text or audio notifications are not sufficient.
In addition to traditional mechanical and electrical design, KFI provided fire protection, lighting, and low voltage design for the facility. Lighting in the facility is extremely important because the occupants communicate visually. Daylight modeling was performed and the results informed the elimination of glare and minimization of backlighting situations. Additional unique features include high-level security, video intercom system, and video displays in all rooms and hallways. The video displays provide mass notification, announcements, and alerts in sign language, custom exit maps, and text format to provide accessible notification to all occupants, regardless of age. KFI also provided the design for two condensing boilers that also feed nearby Rodman Hall and additional connections to campus district utility MEP systems.
The new state-of-the-art residence hall serves as a dormitory for 40 students. The building features a 70% energy reduction, compared to a baseline building. The project was named one of Finance and Commerce’s Top Projects of 2018.
