THE PROJECT

Centralized Laboratory in Frankfort, Kentucky, houses critical lab functions for multiple state agencies including the Kentucky State Police, Cabinet for Health and Family Services, and Division of Environmental Program Support. The facility includes forensic labs, tuberculosis labs, and BSL-3 containment labs.

Envelope failures resulted in mold and significant water infiltration. Pressurization control in the facility was dramatically impacting operations. Extreme negative pressure exacerbated water infiltration.

Energy consumption in the facility exceeded benchmark expectations.
Years of tenant fitups and modifications left the building documentation fragmented and the systems inadequately serving all areas of the facility.

THE WORK

Paladin performed existing building commissioning of the building envelope, mechanical, central plant, fire alarm, security, conveying, and emergency electrical systems.

The primary areas of emphasis were the failing building envelope system and the building pressurization swings.

Envelope investigation included thermography, extensive functional testing, and a building envelope skin investigation to evaluate installation techniques. Investigations identified that the building required reskinning due to incomplete installation of metal panel cladding details. Mechanical systems investigation began with operating conditions documentation. Functional testing of utility services and air distribution.

The project identified the need for revised sequences of operations, reclamation of 40,000 cfm in unidentified exhaust, CAV/VAV retrofits, central plant chiller replacement among other needed improvements.

Completing multiple phases with a flexible scope allowed identification of problems, Owner approval of resolutions and accommodations of key project initiatives.

Multiple capital projects were identified to address findings. Paladin completed designs, oversaw installation, and verified success of resolution.

Extensive transition documentation and services encompassed Owner Training modules, room-by-room air flows, record sequences of operations, and Current Facility Requirements.

THE IMPACT

Paladin resolved two operationally problematic issues: water infiltration and uncontrollable building pressurization.

Paladin’s solutions and whole building approach reduced the annual energy consumption by 16.9% (approximately $200,000/year).

Paladin provided the documentation required to maintain the systems as the state agencies using the facilities require frequent space modifications in order to keep pace with work demand and technology.