Cascadia Elementary School, Ferndale School District

FSi provided heating, ventilation, plumbing, and fire protection engineering for this new 64,000 sf elementary school. Cascadia serves 600 students in Ferndale, Washington.

The mechanical systems incorporate a highly efficient natural gas boilers estimated to achieve 97% thermal efficiency. A DDC system and air handlers in each classroom ensure comfort and control.

FSi provided study, recommendations and documentation for compliance of the mechanical systems for the new Washington Sustainable Schools Protocol (WSSP). This is one of the first schools in the state governed by the WSSP, and FSi was instrumental in supporting this effort on this project. The complex mechanical spaces and rooflines were analyzed in a Building Information Model (BIM) environment for fit and conflict One of the challenges was to limit openings on the northeast side of the building to guard against freezing wind from the mountains.