Mutual Housing at the Highlands
Energy-efficient HVAC and plumbing at affordable housing complex

Energy-Efficient HVAC

Plumbing

Title 24 Documentation

Construction Oversight

North Highlands, California

Project Start: Fall 2007

Project End: Initial move-in expected by mid-2011

Architect: Cynthia Easton Architects

Owner: Sacramento Mutual Housing Association

This new, affordable housing community features 78 studio apartments and one-bedroom lofts, 12 two-story townhomes, laundry facilities, and a community building. Meline Engineering first provided a preliminary analysis of HVAC and plumbing alternatives that would be energy-efficient, cost-effective, and garner funding from public utilities and other sources.

Energy-efficient HVAC

For individual apartments, Meline Engineering selected and specified mini-split ductless heat pumps. These systems provide an energy-efficient HVAC solution at reasonable costs. For the townhouse units, a unique energy-efficient HVAC system featuring an indirect/direct evaporative cooler and a 90% AFUE furnace has been specified. The indirect/direct evaporative cooler cools with minimal operating costs and also provides a whole-house fan function, allowing nighttime cooling of the townhouse units by ventilation air without opening windows.

Plumbing Design

As with the HVAC systems, Meline Engineering provided extensive analysis of alternatives to ensure selection of cost-effective and energy-efficient water heating and piping systems. Meline specified tankless water heaters were specified for all units. Cost-saving CSST gas piping and PEX domestic water piping systems were designed in accordance with strict administrative authority requirements.

Construction Oversight

Meline Engineering will provide construction administration; construction is anticipated to start in the summer of 2010.