McConnell Air Force Base required a new facility for its childcare services with infrastructure that was compliant with UFC 4-470.14F. Professional Engineering Consultants (PEC) devised a solution for a design and build project to demolish and renovate McConnell’s Buildings 337 and 338, as well as create a new connecting corridor between the two buildings.

Building 337 is 35,000 SF and received a new mechanical system, flooring, and countertops. Inside the existing 19,000 SF of Building 338, PEC designed three infant/pre-toddler activity rooms and three toddler activity rooms for a total of six new spaces. This facility is unique in that it houses rooms for a wide variety of uses: infant and toddler care rooms, kitchen space, offices, laundry, storage, restrooms, security, and other resources. Therefore, it required complex HVAC designs to serve the specific needs of all these different rooms. Humidifiers were included to regulate humidity. Temperature sensors were placed lower to the ground to account for a child’s breathing zone. The mechanical systems included proper ventilation, temperature, and humidity controls to account for the potential spread of airborne pathogens in a facility such as this one. This included using separate fan coil units to serve each classroom without recirculating air to minimize cross-contamination. PEC also considered the accessibility of the project with child-sized fixtures in the restrooms.

This project is a significant benefit for those working at McConnell AFB. The center was designed with state-of-the-art technology and equipment, as well as strong considerations for sustainability and efficiency. The community this facility serves can be confident in knowing the Child Care Center offers a safe, secure, and healthy environment.

SERVICES
Electrical
Mechanical
Site Civil
Structural
Survey

PROJECT SIZE
54,000 SF

COMPLETION DATE
2024