Wefald Hall’s New Residence Hall and Dining Center

Challenge

Kansas State University needed a new 540-bed residence hall and dining center capable of serving 1,800 students per meal.

Solution

The new residence hall and dining center consisted of a 70,800-square-foot, eight-story building. Bartlett & West provided MEP and structural engineering services for the project.

Plumbing Systems

The plumbing systems in the building included steam instantaneous water heaters, a gas-fired water heater for use when central plant steam is not available, hot water recirculating system, water softener system, reverse-osmosis water system, booster pump system, central grease interceptor and food pulper system. A new, central distribution system and new piping distribution systems provide each bathroom cluster and each of the eight food venues with valve manifolds for fast, simple and local isolation without interruption of large service areas.

Mechanical Systems

The kitchen hood exhaust and make-up air systems include variable flow hoods which adjust per the cooking load to maximize energy efficiency. Controls include heat sensing under the hood, variable flow exhaust fans and variable flow make-up air systems. Chilled water systems also serve the refrigeration systems and include domestic water connections for back-up service to the compressors.

Life safety systems include stairway and elevator shaft air pressurization systems consisting of roof-mounted fans and pressure sensors to maintain minimum pressurization of these vertical shafts to prevent smoke from entering these emergency exit routes.

Electrical Systems

The electrical distribution includes strategically-located distribution panels to provide close-proximity control for food preparation equipment, laundry equipment, floor-by-floor and wing-by-wing circuit control for resident rooms, and dedicated panels within staff apartments. LED lighting, predominantly controlled by occupancy sensors and override switches and dimmers in special occupancies, provides the most energy efficient lighting systems available.

Value

Kansas State University has added or improved residence halls that house more than 1,700 students. Thousands of students enjoy meals each day in the space. These improvements to student accommodations will assist K-State in attracting and retaining students and staff members in the highly competitive higher education market. The effects of a thriving university also benefit the surrounding community of Manhattan, Kansas.