Brown University Penner Field

Penner Field House is a new 76,000 sf indoor practice facility that expands athletic and recreational opportunities for the Brown University community. The all-season facility supports varsity athletics, club sports, intramural programs, and recreational activities with a full-size turf field, strength and conditioning areas, sports medicine spaces, offices, and athlete support facilities.

Vanderweil provided MEP engineering services the project. The all-electric HVAC design features a 100% outdoor-air ventilation system with energy recovery, VRF heat pump air-handling units, supplemental conditioning systems, and an integrated building automation system that optimizes comfort, performance, and energy efficiency. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling was utilized to inform the design of architectural elements and HVAC distribution that optimized system sizing, energy use and occupant comfort. Electrical infrastructure includes campus-connected power distribution, emergency and standby power systems, LED lighting and controls, and provisions for future expansion. Plumbing systems incorporate electric hot water generation and water-efficient fixtures.