Successful Climbing Gym Design-build

Stoneham, MA  – Building Automation Systems recently completed a new construction, design-build project for the Central Rock Gym in Stoneham, MA. The project entailed complete mechanical design and installation for the 16,500 square foot facility. The mechanical equipment included a packaged 25-ton air handling unit (AHU) with gas heat and DX cooling to serve the main climbing areas, and a packaged 10-ton AHU with gas heat and DX cooling to serve the exercise space, locker rooms, front desk, office space, and a function room. Destratification fans were sized and installed to serve the high climbing area. In total, the facility has seven different heating/cooling zones, controlled by a Wattmaster autozone system that utilizes zone polling to maintain zone temperatures. The 25-ton AHU contains two stages of cooling and two stages of heating, while the 10-ton unit has one stage of each.

Unique design considerations were given for the high levels of chalk dust and high vaulted 40′ ceilings. To account for excessive chalk dust, return ducts were installed as high as possible and AHU filter racks were sized for increased filter thickness. Destratification fans—specially selected with enclosed blades to ensure climber safety—are used to keep space temperatures even from floor to ceiling.

The mechanical design process began in spring of 2018. Construction commenced in early fall and was completed in January 2019. All design drawings were reviewed and stamped for permit by our sister company Systems Design Group. Click on the link below to learn more about the comprehensive “one stop shop” services that we provide for commercial and industrial HVAC systems.

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