R. E. Dimond and Associates, Inc.

Hamilton Heights School Corporation Solar Campus

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Students take on energetic role with the school’s new solar array

Aerial view of the Hamilton Southeastern solar array.
4,224 solar panels installed for the Hamilton Heights High School, Middle School & Elementary

Three Hamilton County schools benefit from new ground-mounted solar PV systems

Three schools for Hamilton Heights School Corporation have new solar array systems designed by R.E. Dimond and Associates.

Hamilton Heights High School now includes a 680 kW AC, ground-mounted solar photovoltaic PV system. Hamilton Heights Middle School has a 520 kW AC, ground-mounted solar photovoltaic PV system, and Hamilton Heights Elementary School features a 400 kW AC, ground-mounted solar photovoltaic PV system.

Watch this 90-second video to see how Hamilton Heights schools are putting their new solar arrays to work in the classroom and in their budget

“We reviewed the electrical bills from the last three years so we could size the solar array to meet most of the needs at usage because we don’t want to produce more than the school needs. …and as utility rates keep going up, the payback could increase annually.”

— Aaron Schipp, electrical engineer, R.E. Dimond and Associates

$270,000 saved in electrical costs and priceless learning opportunities

In addition to saving the district over $270,000 a year in electrical costs by reducing their electrical usage by 70%, all three Hamilton Heights Schools are excited to use the solar arrays in their science and math curricula. The program will help teachers educate students about the latest innovations in renewable energy and the importance of sustainability.

Photo of the solar array at Hamilton Southeastern schools
The new solar arrays collect about as much as the district needs to reduce their dependence on external utilities.

At the elementary level, teachers introduce students to the sun’s intense energy in our solar system and how people have harnessed the sun’s power. At the intermediate level, teachers are guiding students through ways electricity, energy storage, and wattage works. High school teachers show students how electrons and protons work, how photovoltaic cells interact with energy and its efficiency, and more.

In science, engineering, and math courses at all levels, students get real-world experience measuring energy, understanding its uses, the engineering behind the solar array, and practical benefits for sustainable engineering and building design.

Watch a presentation about the real power and benefits behind their new solar PV system

Aaron Schipp, the electrical engineer for the project, gave a presentation in late 2022 on the benefits of a solar photovoltaic system for AIA Indiana and its history.

“Solar panels don’t have moving parts. Cleaning comes from the weather, and while we do need to keep looking at the panels and monitor them, and they do take up a lot of space, solar panels should last over 25 years…once you’ve paid back the initial cost [over 12 years], you’ll save a lot of money.”

— Aaron Schipp, electrican engineer, R.E. Dimond and Associates

Watch the whole presentation to learn more about the history of solar, the fundamentals of solar systems, and the cost/payback options.

Decatur Nursing Lab

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Completion  2021

Size 4,000 SF

This forward-thinking projects re-imagines an existing South Decatur High school industrial space to a state-of-the-art nursing lab that provides students a realistic experience in a unique learning environment. The renovation includes project demonstration areas, two mock ICU rooms, a nursing classroom,  and a Project Lead the way biomedical room with sink and maker boards.

Challenges included reuse of existing HVAC and creation of a realistic hospital environment.

The design included wireless lighting controls, faux and new receptacle access for 3 D printers, power, sinks, laundry, de-ionized water system, and security and control access. A closed-loop geothermal system with terminal heat pumps and energy recovery ventilators, LED lighting, and a roof-mounted solar array delivers sustainable design.

Brownsburg Community School Corporation Transportation and Maintenance Center

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Brownsburg Transportation and Maintenance Bays

More space for more buses in growing Brownsburg

Brownsburg Community School Corporation needed its Transportation and Maintenance Center to grow along with the tremendous growth of the area schools.

The new single-story Transportation Center was completed in 2021 and features:

  • Covered parking for 147 buses
  • New wash bays
  • New staff amenities
  • Room for growth

Overview

  • Project: BCS Transportation and Maintenance Center
  • Location: 570 Airport Road, Brownsburg
  • Client: Brownsburg Community Schools
  • Project size: 52,400 SF
  • Goal: Expand bus parking and maintenance bays
Brownsburg Transportation Facility
The new Transportation Center features 10 pull-through repair bays with easier entrances, traffic flow, and safety for drivers and staff.

Developing new traffic patterns to improve safety and traffic flow

Inside the Brownsburg Transportation Center

A single-story new Transportation Center features canopied parking for 147 buses and includes options for future expansion.

The facility includes bus wash bays, offices, a mezzanine, and parking for 179 staff members. Additionally, the new facility offers ten pull-through repair bays and improves traffic patterns at the entrances.

R.E. Dimond and Associates’ design also provided for fuel station tanks, fluid transport, and compressed air systems that are safe and efficient.

Campus Solar Installation – Northside Middle School and Taylorsville Elementary Bartholomew County School Corporation

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Bartholomew County School Corporation chose R.E. Dimond and Associates to design solar systems for two of their schools: The Northside Middle School which features a 300 kW, 1008 module roof-mounted solar photovoltaic PV system, and the Taylorsville Elementary School which features a 200 kW, 672 module roof-mounted solar photovoltaic PV system.

Over a one-year period, the Northside Middle School PV system generated 454 MWh which offset energy costs by $45,400, and the Taylorsville Elementary School PV system generated 249 MWh which offset energy costs by $24,900. The schools incorporated the solar monitoring system in a school-wide program that compliments their STEM education curriculum.

Cathedral High School Innovation Center

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Size  46,392 SF

Construction Completion  Summer 2021

Building Project Summary

Cathedral High School developed the concept of their new Innovation Center as a desire to align their math, science, and STEM classes. The addition also allows for a new main entrance to the school and a centrally-located cafeteria.

The kitchen and dining areas were relocated and the new space allows enhanced interaction between students, as well as creating a science center with classrooms for computer programming, robotics, science, and a maker space.

Energy efficiency was the focus in developing the building systems in the new three-story atrium and front door to campus. MEPT design included the addition of a boiler and modification of heating/water sequence to work with the existing high school’s two-pipe system.

Made@Plainfield, City of Plainfield, IN

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Size  100,000 SF

Construction Completion  Summer 2021

Building Project Summary

The town of Plainfield,  Plainfield and School Corporation, Ivy Tech, Vincennes University, and Hendricks College Network collaborated for the construction of a new adult learning facility. As a result, different organizations have the option of consolidating classes so adults can get the skills they need for today’s jobs, including diesel technology, cybersecurity, medical assisting, and logistics training.

Stakeholders required coordination of telecommunication technology and special systems in the building design including

  • compressed air with hose reels
  • bus ducts in the lab areas
  • coordination of power with specialized equipment
  • overhead diesel exhaust vent system
  • radiant heating floors in large volume lab space
  • ceiling fans and evacuation fans
  • diesel labs
  • fork-lift charging station

R.E. Dimond and Associated integrated all systems within the design of the building, including all heating, ventilating, air conditioning, built-in lighting, parking lot lighting, fire protection, fire detection, power, and telecommunications systems.

Guilford Elementary School Plainfield Community School Corporation

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Size 105,000 SF
Construction Cost $50,000,000
Completion Date  2021

With four existing elementary schools reaching capacity and a growing population, it was clear the town of Plainfield would need a fifth elementary school. R.E. Dimond and Associates provided mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design services for the new school serving 900 students.

The new elementary school is being constructed as a long-term asset with design and materials reflective of this expectation and an emphasis on safety and design to fit in the rural environment.

R.E. Dimond and Associates designed a cost-effective MEP system that provides energy efficiency and ease of maintenance. Gas-powered boilers and VAV air handling units along with chillers and ductless split systems provide heating and cooling, Radiant heat at large glass areas keeps occupants comfortable.  Electrical design includes power, LED lighting, and a fire alarm life safety system. Plumbing design provided for domestic, hot water, and storm systems. The building is fully sprinkled with a wet pipe automatic sprinkler.

Tri-North Middle School Monroe County Community Schools

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Size 156,000 SF  New Construction

Construction Completion  2021

Building Project Summary

Design
The Tri-North Middle School design utilizes next-generation learning elements including an open media center, collaboration spaces, and small group rooms throughout the building. Teachers and administrators had expressed the need for spaces to be flexible and adaptable to a rapidly changing educational world.

Challenge
The Middle School is a new school being constructed on the same site as the existing school building, which was completely functional throughout construction. A focus on energy efficiency required extensive building modeling to review all HVAC system options.

Solution
R.E. Dimond and Associates’ mechanical team designed a  closed-loop geothermal system with terminal heat pumps and energy recovery ventilators to meet energy efficiency goals.  The electrical department designed roof-mounted solar arrays and utilized LED lighting for the socially responsible school district.

Brownsburg High School Auditorium Renovation

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1,000 seats with excellent acoustics

Brownsburg High School’s increasing enrollment required more seating in their auditorium. Used for high school theater productions, in-school programs, and community uses, the theater was ready to grow alongside a larger high school expansion project completed between 2016-2020.

  • With a seating capacity of over 1,000, the new auditorium was constructed with special sound-absorbing features. 
  • Special ridges in the walls absorb sound without bouncing it off the walls, and serve an aesthetic purpose, too.
  • The ceiling features hanging drywall clouds which aid in hiding the above head rough-ins, as well as provide amazing acoustical value to the room.

Enhancing student learning beyond theater through music and new media

A new orchestra pit was constructed directly into the front of the stage. The pit lift can be used in the upright position for stage performances such as plays or choir performances, or in a lower position for orchestra performances.

Two specially-designed control booths were added to operate the auditorium’s lights, curtains, audio, and video equipment. Students often run this equipment in conjunction with teachers, providing real-world production experience that goes beyond theatre to include advanced networking, IT support, video creation, and media arts.

Overview

  • Project: Brownsburg High School Auditorium
  • Location:1000 S Odell St Brownsburg, IN
  • Client: Brownsburg Community Schools
  • Size: 517,000SF, as part of a broader high school expansion
  • Goal: Expansion and renovation

Brownsburg High School Renovation and Expansion

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Cost $65,000,000

Size  517,000 SF Renovation/Addition

Construction 2016-2020

Building Project Summary  

Brownsburg Community School Corporation’s recent expansion and renovation of Brownsburg High School was completed in an unprecedented 40-month process where construction and education occurred simultaneously, without interruption of any services.

The project expansion widened hallways, added 23% more classroom spaces, renovated the kitchen and cafeteria, added athletic facilities, science labs, band room and expanded the auditorium.
Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Technology enhancements allow for future integration and expansion of systems and add critically important HVAC upgrades that add to the safety and comfort of students and teachers.

Our Location

Located in the heart of Indianapolis, R.E. Dimond is an Indianapolis MEP engineering consulting firm.

We are easily accessible from major interstates around Indiana and offer large conference rooms suitable for hosting project meetings and free parking.

START A PROJECT

Contact Bill Eisler, Executive Vice President, Mechanical Services – bill.eisler@redimond.com

732 N Capitol Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46204 Phone: 317.634.4672

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