Mechanical Systems in Interior Design

Importance for Interior Designers:

• Understanding the range of mechanical issues is crucial for interior designers.
• Collaboration with architects and mechanical engineers is essential.
• Integration of mechanical systems with design elements like ducts, light fixtures, and smoke detectors.

Overview of Mechanical Systems:

• Basic building mechanical systems and commissioning systems overview.
• Mechanical systems impact design intent and functionality of spaces.

Cooling Systems:

• Heat Avoidance Strategy: Building positioning to utilize wind, avoid sunlight, and allow breezes.
• Passive Cooling: Features like porches, ventilation towers, central air shafts, operable windows.
• Mechanical Cooling: Systems for residential and commercial projects.

HVAC Systems:

• Purpose: Maintain indoor air quality through ventilation, filtration, and thermal comfort.
• Consumes a large portion of building energy.
• Heating: Boilers and furnaces using various fuels.
• Ventilation: Air transfer, filtration, and removal of dust for improved air quality.
• Air Conditioning: Lower air temperature and humidity through refrigerant systems.

Types of Heating Systems:

• Hydronic Systems: Heats water and circulates through pipes.
• Air-based Systems: Most common, using air for heating.

Types of HVAC Systems:

• Split Systems: Components inside and outside the home.
• Hybrid Systems: Switch between gas and electric power.
• Duct-free Systems: No ductwork, ideal for retrofitting.
• Packaged Systems: All-in-one units, space efficient.

Heat Pumps:

• Transfer heat without generating it.
• Air Source Heat Pumps: Move heat between indoor and outdoor air.
• Functionality: Can reverse process for heating and cooling.

Ductwork:

• Rigid Ductwork: Durable but more expensive and harder to install.
• Flexible Ductwork: Cheaper and easier to install, used in tight spaces.

Commercial vs. Residential HVAC Systems:

• Commercial Systems: Larger, more powerful, varied setups and capacities.
• Types: Heat pumps, rooftop units, chillers, heaters, air handling units.

Commissioning Process:

• Purpose: Ensure mechanical systems meet design and occupant needs.
• Types of Commissioning:
  • Initial Commissioning: For new buildings/systems.
  • Retro-commissioning: First-time commissioning for existing systems.
  • Recommissioning: Reevaluation and improvement of existing systems.
• Involves quality assurance, testing, and training.