MIAMI, FLA. — South Beach has some competition. As far as a top Miami destination, that is. Dubbed transformative urban living, the Brickell City Centre, a major mixed-use project scheduled to open later this year, is a unique vision that is woven into the fabric of Miami.
Featuring two residential towers housing 820 condominium units, and one hotel, the developers at the Brickell City Centre knew that they needed a long-term, high-efficiency HVAC solution that they could integrate into the design. Focusing the global long-term outlook, the developer understood that an initial investment in capital costs could save a significant amount of money in future operating costs.
Enter Bosch Thermotechnology. Bosch worked alongside Alex Valdes of JASCKO Corp., a manufacturer's rep representing South Florida, and Thermal Concepts, Inc. the mechanical contractor, to get the right combination of price, efficiency and footprint for the project. The three worked together to develop a specialized unit that fit in the limited footprint of the condos within the Centre.
“When we approached the Brickell City Centre project, we knew we needed a unique, high-efficiency solution that was compatible with the design objectives and the high-end aesthetics of the overall development,” said Larry Maurer, president, Thermal Concepts.
A custom variation of the Bosch Florida Heat Pump (FHP) LV Model Water Source Heat Pump was designed and built for the residential condo units. These units are compact, yet extremely energy efficient, and an ideal choice for new construction or for energy-saving replacements.
“One of the challenges we had was to design a new product with single point power electrical heat in a small footprint package, and get the proper UL certification, which took approximately four to five months,” said Arthur Kunz, Bosch commercial sales manager for the Southeast.
The LV is an option-rich single stage product that is available in ½- to 6-ton sizes, and meets or exceeds ASHRAE 90.1 efficiency ratings. The unit comes with a unique sound package, designed to keep sound levels to a minimum while providing maximum comfort. Because they are water source heat pumps, they do not require outside condensing air allowing for easier placement in enclosed spaces but still allowing for separate metering of utility costs.
The units in this project were equipped with single-point electric heat and were seamlessly integrated into the structure’s Building Management System thereby providing operating feedback and easier serviceability. Originally to run off of a boiler, the heat pumps are “fueled” by a BAC cooling tower.
Maurer noted that some of the other challenges on the project were similar to most contractor projects — working across the trades, time deadlines and a limited workspace footprint.
“We chose Bosch FHP because we’ve had a great relationship with them over the years, they are local, they are priced right and they fit the footprint we needed,” said Maurer.
Kunz suggests that any construction over eight stories, the piping and HVAC’s integrated controls become cost prohibitive. With the FHP heat pumps, independent metering for individual loads can be conducted. “Additional advantagesBrickell City Centre is a mixed-use complex that is built locally, but designed with a long-term global outlook — just like Bosch FHP products. Bosch, along with the Brickell City Centre residential towers, create a perfect marriage of both form and function, and the Centre's occupants will enjoy the comfort levels that Bosch water source heat pumps can provide.
With Bosch FHP water source heat pump units providing smart comfort, efficient and quiet operation, the future Brickell City Centre residents can live in ultimate comfort.