The project: The Nashville Warehouse Co.—a five-story, mass timber office building—and Memoir Wedgewood Houston—a 10-story residential tower—are key elements of AJ Partners’ mixed-use development in the Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood of Nashville.

Design approach: IMEG worked with the architect and owner to identify system types that worked within budget constraints and energy code requirements for both projects.

Challenge: Both projects exceeded the 40% glazing threshold. Solution: Energy code compliance was achieved by the performance method. For the office, this meant using a high-performance HVAC system (central condenser water system for water source heat pumps and DOAS with energy recovery). For the residential, this meant using high-efficiency inverter-driven compressor split systems and VRF for common areas.

Challenge: Maintaining the aesthetic of the mass timber office building featuring gabled roofs and exposed ceilings.

Solution: Extensive coordination and care were used to locate the main mechanical equipment and route the main utilities.

The outcome: The 200-unit residential tower features one-, two, and three-bedroom layouts, a large first-floor common area, fitness center, lobby bar/lounge, spa, and on-site parking. Outdoor spaces include a large pool, dog park, band shell, and green space.

The office building—touted as the first large-scale mass timber project in Nashville—features 200,000-sf of Class A office space and will house the new headquarters of the Academy of Country Music, currently located in Los Angeles.