Kelowna Airport YMCA Daycare
Kelowna, British Columbia
This newly constructed facility resulted from an innovative, collaborative arrangement between the property owner KF Aerospace, the City of Kelowna and operator YMCA. In 2022 Falcon Engineering joined the consultant team to contribute mechanical and electrical engineering design to this new construction daycare project that serves the ‘small city’ of airport employees-families connected to this key Okanagan Valley transportation hub.
The mechanical system was selected for the project on the basis of efficient operations, adherence to defined construction cost and a fast-track schedule for project completion. The system features roof top units HVAC units, with outdoor air supplying free cooling for suitable ambient temperatures and improved occupant comfort. Low level return grilles were utilized to improve energy efficiency by preventing warm air from stratifying at low level and bypassing the occupied zone. Each childcare space has a dedicated roof top unit for room temperature control, with averaging sensors installed for balance and ambient comfort.
The electrical design was similarly focused on energy-efficient operations and fast-track availability for key components. Optimized lighting controls enhance the warm ambient tone of interior childcare spaces. Lighting and electrical design favourably met the operators program requirements. Exterior lighting highlights the simple iconic form of the building, while meeting Transport Canada’s requirements for controlled lighting in the airport space.