PROJECT
hvac The Alchemist Brewery owners wanted a space that was as efficient as it was alluring. Trane HVAC systems helped deliver the result. Inset. A Trane Performance Climate Changer air handler with a CDQ (Cool, Dry, Quiet) wheel handles dehumidification and space cooling demands.
Humidity-Control HVAC For IPA Brew Design/build and control system supports brewing process.
W
“
hen people walk in the door, their
sponsibility of the brewery,” he said. Kimmich recog-
the kind of place where you want to be from everyone’s
jaws drop,” said John Kimmich,
nized the impact of the beer-brewing process itself and
point of view,” said Kimmich.
co-owner and head brewer at The Al-
the number of wash-down and boiling procedures in-
The brewery’s construction manager brought the
chemist Brewery. “The natural light, the energy efficien-
volved. The brewing process often creates a humid envi-
VHV Co., Winooski, VT, in as their design/build con-
cy of the building—it’s a church to beer.”
ronment, so humidity control was billed as a top priority
tractor based on the company’s knowledge of the brewery
as construction on the second Alchemist facility began to
process and experience with brewery applications. With
take shape.
a trusted relationship that spans more than 17 years,
The original Alchemist location opened in Waterbury, VT, in 2003. After eight years of success, co-owners John and Jen Kimmich decided to open a second loca-
It was critical to control humidity for the space and
VHV contacted Trane, Davidson, NC, to discuss project
tion in Stowe, VT, to help meet their growing production
keep the process equipment and floors as dry as possible
challenges and the best mix of heating, ventilation, and
needs. The second location of The Alchemist Brewery
to avoid the possibility of patrons slipping and falling in
air-conditioning (HVAC) equipment and controls to sup-
was built with a vision of breaking from fluorescent-lit
the tasting room. Of course, creating a comfortable envi-
port the operation.
monotony to create a beautiful, inviting space for beer
ronment was also top of mind, with the brewery hoping
enthusiasts to come together, relax, and enjoy the brew-
to maintain a 74 F indoor temperature and proper venti-
IMPROVING EFFICIENCY
ery’s nationally respected Heady Topper IPA.
lation in the open floor plan.
An 80-ton, high-efficiency, air-cooled Trane CGAM
When Kimmich set out to build the brewery’s Stowe
The town of Stowe also had odor-control and
scroll chiller was selected to meet the facility’s needs.
facility, he was determined to create a space that was as
waste-handling requirements for the brewery to abide by,
Featuring onboard pumps with variable-frequency drive,
efficient as it was alluring. “We wanted to make use of the
which influenced the construction plans. “We wanted to
the chiller reduces energy use and creates a comfortable
natural light, while considering the environmental re-
keep our environmental responsibility in mind, to create
environment for employees and visitors. With a limited
22
COMMERCI A L A RCHI T EC T URE
JUNE 2017
commercialarchitecturemagazine.com
