Project Profile - WeWork Shared/Collaborative Workspace

“The previous HVAC system was not only loud and inefficient, but also took up valuable floor space,” said WeWork’s Head of Communications, Karly Venuto. “We realized fairly quickly that we needed a more integrated HVAC solution that could deliver more effective temperature control based on individual tenant needs without compromising the open design of the new space or adding to office noise levels.”

In collaboration with mechanical engineers at Guth DeConzo Consulting Engineer PC, the WeWork construction team determined that a Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system was the best solution to satisfy these goals, while working within the constraints of the building’s historic architecture and construction.

“The best HVAC solution for WeWork’s Varick Street location was undoubtedly a single system that could provide zoned temperature control to work spaces of varying sizes without a lot of ductwork or taking up existing floor space,” said Matt DeConzo, principle of Guth DeConzo Consulting Engineer, PC, “We knew that we wanted to install a roof-top VRF system, however, given limited roof space for condensing units and extreme piping lengths required to reach each floor, we faced some significant challenges.”

After meeting with representatives from top manufacturers, the project team identified an LG Multi V VRF solution as the top contender, meeting all of the requirements and more. LG’s Multi V III Heat Pump system was the only solution that could fit within the limited footprint on the rooftop and offer both horizontal and vertical piping distances required to deliver custom temperature control to more than 50 individual zones on multiple floors of the building.

“The ease of piping, design and lay-out were big differentiators for the LG Multi V III solution,” added DeConzo. “The compact footprint combined with robust piping capabilities of the Multi V system design easily met our needs for an application where traditional direct expansion AC systems would struggle, or simply not allow.”

In addition to performance, design and sizing benefits, the LG solution delivered another important differentiator – technical and logistical support. In partnership with local representative, Klima New York, LG assisted with both contractor training and installation support during the process, including a hands-on training course for the mechanical contractor at a nearby LG Training Academy location. This was an integral component due to another unique challenge, an unusually aggressive construction schedule.

Due to tenant needs, WeWork required a phased, floor-by-floor renovation approach, with the initial floor to be completed in just eight weeks, less than half the usual time allotted for projects of this size. Multi V’s modular design proved to be an asset for this renovation approach, allowing for standalone installation on various floors to match the retrofit schedule.

Using LG’s AC Smart control system, each floor could also be added to the centralized system as it was completed, without compromising temperature control or comfort for anyone working in the building. And upon project completion, the central control enables scheduling, monitoring and troubleshooting of all individual floors and zones as a unified building system.

“While flexible system design and control features were key factors in keeping on pace with the aggressive construction schedule, the hands-on training with our mechanical contractor was also invaluable,” said Nino Bosco, head of construction for WeWork. “These components all contributed to completing a nearly impossible construction schedule and allowing occupancy of the spaces much faster than we could have achieved with any traditional HVAC solution".

The Multi V system is helping WeWork achieve cost savings on many fronts –from savings on installation and materials, to lowering utility bills through higher energy efficiency and zoned temperature control, to reduced maintenance and lifecycle costs.

In addition to lower upfront costs due to a faster and easier installation process, WeWork’s construction team was able to realize cost savings through reduced labor and materials; including decreased ductwork, electrical wiring and piping needs. Using LG’s AC Smart control system, there is no longer a need for a dedicated third-party Building Management System (BMS), eliminating the high cost for BMS hardware and integration.

Through installing a VRF system, WeWork also benefits from higher efficiency ratings (IEER up to 24.5), reduced maintenance needs and a longer system lifecycle. Integral condensate pumps and safeties on indoor units also contribute to reduced maintenance and repair costs.

According to WeWork’s Bosco, “With the custom temperature control options, much quieter system and ability to maintain our open ceiling plan, we certainly met our comfort, efficiency and design goals with the LG HVAC solution. We have happy, more comfortable tenants and staff, while regaining 300 to 400 square feet of usable, leasable office space on each floor, which is a significant contribution to our bottom line!”

In addition to completing renovation for all ten floors at the Varick Street location, WeWork is currently retrofitting additional workspaces in New York and San Francisco with LG Multi V systems.