Commercial

Atherton Civic Center

  • Year

    2022

  • Area

    5,500 sqft

  • Architect

    WRNS Studio Design

  • Mechanical Engineer

    Interface Group

Radiant Ceiling
Radiant Ceiling
Radiant Floor
Radiant Floor

In 2022, the newly constructed Atherton Civic Center, a remarkable project valued at $32 million, became the epitome of innovative climate control. Located in Atherton, California, this architectural marvel spanning 5,500 sqft was brought to life through the collaborative efforts of WRNS Studio Design and Interface Group as the mechanical engineer.

The crown jewel of this civic center is its hydronic four-pipe heating and cooling system. This system employs our cutting-edge Ray Magic® Quad ceiling tiles and a radiant floor. What sets this system apart is its versatility: each zone of the building can be heated or cooled independently, offering precise climate control tailored to the occupants’ needs.

The orchestration of the mixing and changeover stations within this innovative system is seamlessly handled by the Messana control platform. This platform not only ensures the system’s efficiency but also integrates harmoniously with the Building Management System (BMS) via Modbus.

We take immense pride in knowing that the elected officials, city employees, and police officers of Atherton will enjoy year-round comfort thanks to this unique Messana system.

 

Exterior of Atherton Civic Center that uses Messana Radiant Cooling and Heating Ceiling Panels.
Interior of Atherton Civic Center that uses the Messana Climate Control Platform. Interior of Atherton Civic Center. It is conditioned using a Ray Magic radiant cooling and heating system. Offices conditioned by a radiant ceiling system in the Atherton Civic Center.
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What is a Radiant Floor?

A radiant floor is a type of heating and cooling system that uses the surface area of the floor to transfer thermal energy to or from the objects in a room through radiation. Radiant floors can be electric (heating only) or hydronic (heating and cooling). mControls can manage both types of radiant floors to maximize occupant comfort.
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What is a Hydronic Fan Coil?

A hydronic fan coil is a type of heating and cooling system that uses hot or chilled water to control the temperature of a room. It consists of a heat exchanger, a fan, and a coil, and is typically installed within the wall, ceiling, or floor. The heat exchanger is connected to a water source, which can be an air-to-water heat pump, boiler, or a chiller, and circulates the water through the coil to provide heating or cooling to the room. The fan within the unit distributes the air that passes over the coil, introducing either warm or cool air to the room.
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What is Radiant Heating?

Radiant heating is an energy-efficient heating technology that, unlike traditional forced-air systems that heat the air, employs warm radiant surfaces like ceilings or floors to deliver infrared heat directly to objects and people within a space. Radiant heating creates a comfortable, even distribution of warmth, without the need for visible and noisy equipment.

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What is Condensation?

Condensation forms on cold surfaces when the air surrounding the surface is humid and the surface temperature drops below the dew point temperature of the air. mSense room comfort sensors continuously monitor the dew point in each room and Messana Controls ensure that the radiant ceiling or floor surface temperature never falls below the dew point to avoid condensation.

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What is Radiant Cooling?

Radiant cooling is an energy-efficient cooling technology that, unlike traditional forced-air systems that cool the air, employs chilled radiant surfaces like ceilings or floors to directly absorb the heat radiated by objects and people within a space. Radiant cooling creates a comfortable, even distribution of coolness, without the need for visible and noisy equipment.

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What is a Radiant Ceiling?

A radiant ceiling is a type of heating and cooling hydronic terminal that uses the large unobstructed surface area of the ceiling to transfer thermal energy to or from the objects in a room through thermal radiation. Radiant ceilings can be used as a standalone terminal or in conjunction with other heating and cooling systems to provide an energy-efficient and effective indoor climate solution.

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