REHAU RAUPEX Pipe System Helps Meet the Challenge of 193 Different Heat Zones in New School Building
At 280,000 sq ft (26,013 sq m), Edward Little High School in Auburn, Maine is one of the largest high schools in the state. Thanks to architecture and engineering company Harriman Associates, the school is also one of the most comfortable and efficiently heated, with radiant floor heating provided throughout the building.
“Radiant heat is a very comfortable, very satisfying heat as compared to a forced air convection system, heating people and objects directly as opposed to blowing hot air on them,” explained Harriman principal and mechanical engineer David Story, PE, LEED AP. “It’s a lot like feeling the warmth of the sun. It’s more natural and I think people tend to feel better with it.”
In addition to the comfort aspect, the radiant heating system designed for Edward Little allows the use of much lower temperature water—about 130°F (54°C) as opposed to the 180°F (82°C) demanded by a traditional hydronic heating system using baseboards or radiators, for example. As an efficiency bonus, Harriman has designed the system to heat the water primarily through cost-effective geothermal energy, making it an ideal solution for schools where comfort and cost-efficiency are crucial.
“Radiant heating delivers this very high-quality heat at lower energy costs,” noted Story. “I think the technology is especially appropriate in a learning environment where maintaining comfort is especially important, and in a situation where spending is always under scrutiny.”
Radiant heating uses a network of specialized piping, installed strategically under the floor, to circulate warm water throughout a building. At Edward Little, Harriman selected REHAU to supply the 110,000 ft (32,528 m) of 1/2 in. RAUPEX® O2 barrier crosslinked polyethylene (PEXa) pipe in the radiant system design.
RAUPEX O2 barrier pipe was praised for its tight bend radius, robustness and UV-resistant layer, making it durable and easy to install even in challenging conditions. The complete system provided by REHAU, including fittings, connectors, manifolds, controls and accessories, contributes to consistency and reliability. The project’s contractors installed 101 PRO-BALANCE® manifolds and 445 EVERLOC+® R-20 connectors, providing a seamless installation process.
The radiant heating system at Edward Little was divided into 193 separate heating zones, each with unique requirements based on room size, shape, ceiling height and other variables. REHAU’s in-house engineering design knowledge was invaluable in managing these complexities and adapting to changes throughout the project.
Harriman Associates values their partnership with REHAU, citing the company’s high-quality products, expert support and reliability. This ongoing collaboration ensures that the radiant heating systems they design are efficient, durable and meet the high expectations of both the project team and the end users.
“When we design a building, we basically own all the issues of the building for the life of the building—that’s our reputation,” Story said. “That’s why we look for partners like REHAU. They meet our high expectations, give us good support and help us look good. We succeed together.”