Ball Hall is one of the premier academic buildings at the IUPUI campus, specifically designed to facilitate cooperation and innovation. The services of BIM Services were hired for HVAC and RP BIM services to provide the best indoor conditions possible that would comply with the sustainability policies of the university.
Project Summary
- Comprehensive HVAC and RP BIM services for a premier academic building on the IUPUI campus
- Variable air volume (VAV) systems with energy recovery ventilation to enhance efficiency
- Hydronic heating and cooling systems utilizing high-efficiency boilers, chillers, and heat pumps
- RP system design including domestic water, sanitary waste and vent, natural gas, and condensate piping
- Detailed BIM models and documentation supporting construction coordination and long-term facility operations
Project Snapshot
| Scope | HVAC and RP |
| Location | Indianapolis, Indiana, USA |
| General Contractor | Skanska USA Building Inc. |
| Architect | CSO Architects |
Energy-Efficient HVAC Design for Classrooms and Collaboration Spaces
A building that is designed for collaboration and learning requires an HVAC system that maintains efficiency and silence despite having a range of different spaces to accommodate. Our MEPF services team designed:
- Energy efficient HVAC systems ensure thermal comfort and indoor air quality in classrooms, lecture halls, office and collaboration spaces.
- Variable air volume (VAV) systems with energy recovery ventilation to enhance efficiency and reduce energy consumption
- Hydronic heating and cooling systems utilizing high-efficiency boilers, chillers, and heat pumps to support campus-wide sustainability objectives
RP System Design and Plumbing Infrastructure
A reliable academic building depends on plumbing infrastructure that’s engineered as carefully as its HVAC systems. This work included:
- RP system design including domestic water, sanitary waste and vent, natural gas, and condensate piping
- Mechanical and plumbing systems coordinated to minimize interference with architectural elements
- Compliance with ASHRAE standards, Indiana plumbing code, and university design guidelines throughout
BIM Modeling and Clash-Free Mechanical Coordination
Fitting HVAC and RP systems smoothly into the building’s architectural design required detailed BIM 3D modeling paired with rigorous clash detection. Key outcomes included:
- Mechanical and plumbing systems coordinated to ensure smooth integration with structural and architectural elements
- Detailed BIM models developed to support construction coordination across all trades
- Field-ready documentation supporting a smooth installation sequence for classrooms, lecture halls, and offices
Code Compliance, Documentation, and Long-Term Operations
Beyond installation, Ball Hall’s mechanical systems needed to support the university’s operations for years to come. Our BIM coordination process helped:
- Follow the standards and codes of ASHRAE, Indiana, and University for compliance
- Provide accurate BIM models and documentation for construction and facility operations
- Align HVAC and RP infrastructure with IUPUI’s broader campus-wide sustainability objectives
The Indiana University Indianapolis — Ball Hall project reflects how BIM Services applies detailed HVAC and RP BIM modeling, disciplined coordination, and code-compliant design to deliver comfortable, energy-efficient academic buildings. For more examples of our work in this sector, explore our higher education and institutional portfolio.
