Project Overview
Client: Advanced Construction LLC (advconstruct.com)
Location: 338, 344 & 348 Main St, Niantic, Connecticut
Project Type: Mixed-Use Development (Residential + Commercial)
InnoDez Scope:
- Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing (MEP) Design and Engineering
- Energy Code Compliance (IECC/ASHRAE) Documentation and Certification
Project Duration: 2 Weeks
This mixed-use redevelopment in historic Niantic, CT involved modernizing three adjoining Main Street parcels into a cohesive, code-compliant building integrating commercial spaces at grade with residential units above. InnoDez was engaged by Advanced Construction LLC (advconstruct.com) to deliver complete MEP design and ensure airtight energy compliance within an aggressive schedule.
Challenges & Strategic Solutions
- Aggressive Two-Week Delivery
Challenge:
A compressed timeline for full building system design and energy compliance documentation.
Solution:
- Rapid mobilization with dedicated task teams for each discipline (MEP + energy code).
- Modular design workflows to parallelize tasks (e.g., HVAC layout while electrical load calculations proceeded).
- Daily coordination checkpoints with Advanced Construction LLC to align design intent and constructability.
Outcome: Complete, coordinated MEP design and energy compliance package delivered on schedule.
- Mixed-Use Building Systems Integration
Challenge:
Designing MEP systems that efficiently support commercial tenant loads at street level while delivering optimal comfort for residential occupants above.
Solution:
- Zoning of HVAC systems to separate commercial and residential thermal demands.
- Centralized mechanical core with dedicated fan coil units above and variable-capacity rooftop units below.
- Electrical distribution engineered to anticipate tenant fit-out variability.
- Plumbing risers designed to minimize fixtures conflicts and balance domestic water demand.
Technical Highlights:
- Load balancing to reduce peak demand and utility costs.
- Flexible distribution pathways to accommodate tenant improvements.
- Energy Compliance & Code Documentation
Challenge:
Meeting Connecticut’s current energy codes and building performance standards on a fast timeline.
Solution:
- Early extraction of baseline building envelope and load assumptions to initiate energy compliance modeling.
- Use of advanced energy simulation tools to validate compliance targets (IECC/ASHRAE benchmarks).
- Integration of compliance narratives directly into permit deliverables for municipal review.
Outcome:
Accepted compliance documentation and modeling reports delivered in tandem with MEP design drawings, enabling a smooth permitting process.
Technical Highlights
Mechanical Engineering
- Zoning for mixed-use conditioning with VAV/VRF systems
- Ventilation strategies aligned with ASHRAE 62.1
- Heat recovery and energy recovery ventilators (ERV) where applicable
Electrical Engineering
- Load calculations aligned with NEC
- Main distribution designed for future tenant loads
- Emergency egress and lighting design
Plumbing Engineering
- Efficient hot water distribution
- Storm and sanitary systems coordinated with civil utility points
Energy Compliance
- Energy modeling demonstrating compliance with CT energy codes
- Envelope performance documentation (U-values, insulation levels)
- HVAC system efficiencies verified against code minimums
Outcomes & Benefits
✅ Delivered on a two-week schedule despite complexity
✅ Fully coordinated MEP design package ready for permitting
✅ Energy compliance documents accepted by local authorities
✅ Improved constructability and reduced RFIs during construction
✅ Strategic systems design to support operational efficiency
Partner Spotlight: Advanced Construction LLC
This project marked InnoDez’s first collaboration with Advanced Construction LLC, a firm known for thoughtful, quality-driven construction in New England.
