The University of Pikeville’s new Health Professions Education Building houses the new Kentucky College of Optometry program, state-of-the-art School of Nursing, additional university support functions, and other health-related professional degree programs. The “Pavilion” event space on the top floor serves the University and the community.

Pikeville’s mountainous location required the structure – classified as high-rise construction – to be built into a steep hillside. The nearly 45-degree slope and the building architecture presented several challenges for the engineers. The designers solved these challenges while also meeting the recently adopted increased requirements of 2012 IECC – making the building one of the most efficient in the region.

Special considerations included:

• Elevator and stair pressurization
• Large kitchen and fast food space with variable speed kitchen hood control
• Large event space on 7th floor (high ceilings and sound critical)
• Integrated lighting control panels for classrooms
• Emergency generator backup
• Chiller and boiler capacity provided for future 3rd floor renovation

A dedicated outside air central system with local fan coil units allowed for reduced energy use, minimized vertical shaft area, and maximized ceiling heights. The south exterior of the building is mostly tall vision glass to offset the large portions of the building that are below-grade on the north side. This required careful coordination to provide adequate conditioning air and architectural lighting to achieve the desired night time appearance.