This projects 3,000 sq ft rooftop greenhouse complex is located at VCU’s Eugene P. and Lois E. Trani Center for Life Sciences. The Trani Center for Life Sciences fosters interdisciplinary research and instruction in the life sciences. The building houses the Department of Biology, the Center for Environmental Studies, and the Office of the Vice Provost for Life Sciences.

The rooftop greenhouse is a research-grade facility that can control humidity, temperature, and light. The greenhouse supports a pesticide-free room and three environments simultaneously: desert, mild climates much like Central Virginia and tropical.

The project required significant changes to obtain more accurate and efficient control of the environment in the greenhouse complex. Two areas in need of major changes were the fog system and the louvers for the exhaust fans.

PACE Collaborative provided the mechanical and electrical engineering design and construction phase services for this project for VCU. This project did not require BCOM review.

Mechanical System:

To provide the desired environmental conditions within each greenhouse space, a new Hydrofog system, with humidity sensors, was installed to control the humidity within each space. Upgrades to the mechanical controls and louver dampers were also provided for proper air flow and temperature control. The entire mechanical was rebalanced and commissioned to ensure a complete and functioning system.

Electrical System:

The grow lights within the greenhouse spaces were replaced and connected to the existing lighting contactor-based control systems. The lighting upgrades included the design for a light lowering system above each table, which was ultimately not installed due to budget constraints. Power was also provided to the pump for the Hydrofog system.