Augusta Maine’s VAME Togus is transitioning aging veterans in their care to new “Small House” Community Living Centers (CLC). IMEG performed mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection design and construction administration services for the first phase, which includes the construction of two new 8,500 SF prototype houses. The residents are veterans in need of institutional oversight including dementia care, and the CLC site includes secure courtyards and common areas with appropriate supervision. The project adheres to ADA accessibility guidelines and features a Physical Access Control System (PACS).

IMEG’s plumbing design prevents the spread of Legionella by recirculating both hot and cold water and installing automatic flush faucets, preventing stagnant water accumulation in the system. All faucets are programmed to automatically flush every 30 minutes and data can be downloaded into an auditable report. This is the first time this design has been deployed on a large-scale project.

All MEP/FP design adhered to the VA space planning guidelines, master specifications, physical security design manual, and sustainability design guide. The HVAC systems were designed with energy recovery ventilation utilizing 100% outside air. The complete water-based sprinkler system features quick response recessed sprinkler heads in accordance with NFPA 13. A new 250kW diesel power emergency and standby generator was designed to ensure residents would not need to be moved in the event of an extended outage lasting not more than four-days. The LED lighting and analogue addressable fire alarm system meet NFPA 72 and 780 CMR 907 requirements, and the buildings have been configured with full direct digital controls that connect to the building management system. All steam, electric and low-voltage systems have been extended from the existing steam tunnel to the new CLC buildings.

*rendering courtesy of William Pevear Architects, Inc.