KIPP Raíces Academy
This adaptive reuse project transformed a defunct big-box retail store into the first charter elementary school in East Los Angeles.
The KIPP Raíces Academy is a fun and challenging adaptive reuse project which brought the first charter elementary school to the area. Adaptive reuse projects like the KIPP Raíces Academy demonstrate LRA's flexibility and aptitude for problem-solving. The building was previously occupied by Big Lots! retail store. L+V Architects led the design team, while LRA shined as the MEP engineer.
After the transformation. The modern facade adds a welcome bit of flair to the neighborhood.
The existing building featured a rooftop parking deck; part of which was transformed into a play yard for the students. Built to support vehicles, the roof structure presented some challenges mechanically. Minimal penetrations were allowed in the roof due to the extensive existing rebar and concrete, which made it a prime candidate Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF).
A Mitsubishi City-Multi system was utilized, reducing holes in the deck to just refrigerant line penetrations, while maximizing the rooftop play yard. Each classroom possesses its own fan coil and temperature controls, which helps address the less-than-ideal sun exposures. Fresh-air is ducted in from the exterior walls to provide ventilation.
The energy-saving VRF system also allowed the existing electrical service to remain in-place, saving the client a significant amount of money and time.
Previous use of the site
Photo credit: L+V Architects
Kyocera Precision Tooling
This 60,000 square foot manufacturing tenant improvement turns out precision cutting tools for the aerospace, electronics, and machining industries.
The Kyocera Precision Tooling facility is a 60,000 square foot interior tenant improvement with offices and manufacturing. LRA provided complete electrical engineering for the project, including a substantial electrical service upgrade to serve the hundreds of CNC machines, lathes, mills, mechanical systems, and compressors that keep the manufacturing floor running at peak production.
LAPD Devonshire PALS Youth Center
LRA provided engineering on the LAPD Devonshire PALS Youth Center in Northridge, CA.
LRA provided engineering on the LAPD Devonshire PALS Youth Center in Northridge, CA. The facility features administrative space and multi-purpose rooms for hosting youth events and outreach. From the Devonshire PALS website:
“Organized in 1973, LAPD Devonshire PALS is dedicated to developing character in youth, reducing juvenile crime and creating safer communities. We do this by providing after-school enrichment programs for low-income, at-risk children and teens that build strong, positive relationships between youth and law enforcement officers. Due to the tremendous need for youth programs in the southern section of Northridge, and with a community determined to help, LAPD Devonshire PALS built a youth center in this underserved neighborhood.”
Ganahl Lumber Pasadena
A showcase in adaptive reuse, this retail location and indoor lumber yard took the place of a former GM dealership and service center.
A showcase in adaptive reuse, this retail location and indoor lumber yard took the place of a former GM dealership and service center. LRA provided complete MEP engineering to transform the existing dealership.
The building was previously unconditioned; adding air conditioning to the retail store meant meeting the performance requirements of Title 24. Despite the limitations of the existing envelope, the project exceeded Title 24 compliance by almost 15% better than standard, all while keeping the HVAC installation costs as low as possible.
Photo credit: Onyx Architects
Porterville Photovoltaic Array
This ground-mount, 6MW utility photovoltaic array in Porterville, California featured some cost-saving elements that set the standard for its successors.
The Porterville Photovoltaic Array produces 6 megawatts of power. Located near the Porterville Airport in California, the utility-owned installation features a stationary racking system whose vertical supports are driven directly into the soil. This method of supporting the panels saved the client money and time by avoiding the cost of pouring footings. The racking system also features UL approved panel mounting clips that, when torqued down, bite into the panel frame to provide a ground path while simultaneously providing a means of attachment. This allowed the installers to save the cost associated with a grounding pigtail at each panel.
The above ground cabling for the array is routed in open air, rated for exposure to the elements, while the underground cabling is direct-burial; all of which saved on costs associated with conduit.
These value-engineering methods formed the standard for larger arrays across the state.
Photo credit: Cupertino Electric
