JACK H. MILLER CENTER FOR THE MUSICAL ARTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (PDF)

The following research focuses on the Jack H. Miller Center for the Musical Arts owned by
Hope College in Holland, MI. The owner’s goal for the project was to create a superior musical
performance facility for recitals and concerts as well as house the music department. The
designer did well in meeting the owner’s needs, but some improvements can be made.
The depth of this report focuses on investigating alternatives for the mechanical systems serving
the auditorium and faculty offices/student practice areas. The current design is that the
auditorium is served by a traditional overhead air distribution system. The faculty offices and
practice areas are served by active chilled beams. The report investigates the application of an
underfloor air distribution system (UFAD) on the auditorium. For the offices and practice areas,
the chilled beam system was replaced with radiant chilled ceiling panels, radiant floor heating,
and displacement ventilation. The goals of these changes were to create thermally comfortable
environments, reduce energy costs, and improve acoustic characteristics all while being
economically realistic.
Additionally, two breadth topics were investigated stemming from the impact of the change in
mechanical systems. An acoustical analysis was performed on the auditorium and a faculty
office to see how the background HVAC noise levels changed. A greywater collection system
was also designed to collect rain water and melted snow from the roof, treat it, and use it for nonpotable
water within the building. This system is meant to offset some of the water use in the
building.

Depth Conclusions [Mechanical]
Potential Savings
o Energy: 48,000 kWh/yr
o Costs: $8,310.50/yr
Economic
o Added First Cost: $77,900
o Payback Period: 9.4 years

Breadth Conclusions [Acoustics/Plumbing]
Noise Reduction (New / Original)
o Office: NC-24 / NC-25
o Auditorium: NC-15 / NC-29
Greywater System
o Gallons Collected: 904,000 gal/yr
o Savings: $1590/yr, 8.5-year payback