Tight space and time constraints are common for multifamily projects in high-density urban areas. To combat these challenges, Philadelphia-based VBC has made a name for itself by offering a modular solution. While designing Next LVL, a multifamily residence in the heart of the city, the VBC team discovered that MagicPak All-In-One™ HVAC Systems could help achieve each of the project’s major objectives, including more living space, faster occupancy and highly desirable rooftop gathering spaces.
Compared to traditional methods, using MagicPak® helped shave off two months of labor, while meeting the architect’s aesthetic vision for the building exterior. By eliminating outdoor equipment, Next LVL could offer more of the in-demand features that help attract and retain tenants, including an expansive rooftop lounge with greenspace and unobstructed views of the city.
![Stylish rooftop with cabana seating areas, giant chess board and views of the Philadelphia skyline.](/sites/default/files/inline-images/MagicPak-All-in-One-HVAC-Systems-Multifamily-Building-Rooftop-NextLVL%20%281%29.jpg)
Optimized Space and Amenities
With space at a premium, VBC wanted to fit as many units as possible into the building footprint. MagicPak eliminated the need to run vertical line sets throughout the building, meaning square footage traditionally needed for chaseways could be used for hallways or living units. It also simplified the overall design process.
“We don’t have to worry about line sets running into fire sprinkler lines and all of the other things that we have running through a complex system,” said Sara-Ann Logan, vice president of design at VBC.
Using the MagicPak system also had another major benefit: keeping 280 condensing units off the roof.
“When you’re in a city environment and every inch counts, you really don’t want to waste space by putting condensers in places that could otherwise be livable space or provide some sort of amenity to the tenants,” said Logan.
With no HVAC equipment on the roof, that space was now available for highly desirable (and potentially rent-boosting) amenities.
“In the city with very dense living, you always want to make sure that your tenants have the ability to connect to the outside,” Logan noted. “By choosing MagicPak, we unlocked the ability to use the space on the top floor and gave the tenants of this building a unique space that I think is one of the best in the city.”
As the project’s architect, Logan also pointed to the design flexibility afforded by MagicPak.
“I can align louvers with windows and really have the ability to design exterior features the way that I want to as an architect and the way honestly that the cities want us to,” said Logan. Working with MagicPak also allowed her to achieve the seamless aesthetic she was looking for by matching various exterior colors.
“In this particular project we have five to six exterior skin conditions,” said Logan. “Being able to match those and have those disappear with the exterior was critical, and it was really easy to do with the MagicPak system.”
Less Onsite Labor, Easier Maintenance
As a modular builder, VBC was already doing the bulk of its construction in the factory. With MagicPak, most of the HVAC work could also be done offsite under controlled conditions.
“It's a really unique system and it's very user-friendly for installation purposes,” said Robert Schmalbach, VBC vice president of construction.
The all-in-one units, duct work and thermostat were installed into each living unit in the factory, dramatically reducing the time needed for HVAC field teams onsite.
“When it comes to the site, all we need to do is commission that unit, turn it on and it works,” said Schmalbach. “By working with MagicPak on this project, we were able to basically limit the HVAC field teams, onsite component to roughly 30 days versus potentially 90 days if we had gone with a different type of system.”
The time-saving benefits extend beyond construction, making ongoing maintenance simpler and more convenient.
![Interior ofliving unit. A small bump-outdiscreetly houses the MagicPak All-In-One unitbehind a vented white access panel](/sites/default/files/inline-images/MagicPak-All-in-One-HVAC-Systems-Multifamily-Building-Interior-Easy-Access-NextLVL%20%281%29.jpg)
According to Schmalbach, MagicPak “extremely quiet and user-friendly.” And because it’s housed within an individual living unit, it’s protected from the elements and easy to service.
“The technician can simply go into that unit, observe what's going on and be able to fix it without having to either chase down a leak or go to multiple different areas, which potentially could have multiple different problems. For the developer, this really simplifies their systems and their warranty work and what they need to be prepared for.”
“With MagicPak, everything’s in front of me, I can easily access it all. And if worst case, if I have to pull the whole unit out, it’s doable in a safe environment.”
--
Contact Information
Phone: 1-800-448-5872
Email: MagicPakMarketing@alliedair.com
Website: www.magicpak.com
Related Stories
Multifamily Housing | Nov 8, 2017
No place like home: LA’s The Six provides permanent supportive housing for veterans
The 52-unit development gives hope and dignity to homeless or disabled veterans and others in need.
Mixed-Use | Nov 1, 2017
18-story residential tower breaks ground near Temple University
The tower will provide apartment units for students and young professionals.
Multifamily Housing | Oct 30, 2017
Multifamily ventilation: Help buildings breathe
What's the right set of "lungs" for your building?
Multifamily Housing | Oct 30, 2017
First two affordable family apartment communities open in Irvine’s master planned Great Park Neighborhoods community
The buildings offer a total of 166 apartments.
Multifamily Housing | Oct 29, 2017
Multifamily visionaries: The Beach Company’s family ties
Spanning four generations, The Beach Company continues to expand its development footprint across the Southeast.
Greenbuild Report | Oct 19, 2017
Can 'living well' sell?
As the competition for renters and buyers heats up, multifamily developers look to health and wellness for an edge.
Multifamily Housing | Oct 19, 2017
Enlightened conversion: A church becomes condos in D.C.
Once there were 857 churches in the District of Columbia. Now there are 856. One of them became an award-winning condominium complex.
University Buildings | Oct 13, 2017
The University of Oklahoma receives its first residential colleges
The residential communities were designed by KWK Architects and combine living and learning amenities.
Multifamily Housing | Oct 11, 2017
A 267-unit multifamily community is under construction in Summerville, S.C.
Summer Wind will be about half an hour outside of Charleston, S.C., in the rapidly expanding Summerville submarket.
Multifamily Housing | Oct 9, 2017
6 new products for the multifamily construction market
Bamboo wall panels, an adaptable prep sink, and a two-tiered bike parking system are among the product innovations geared for multifamily buildings.