Wicked Cool Mechanical was the contractor chosen for the commercial HVAC installation as part of the major basement conversion project at the historic Belknap County Courthouse in Laconia, NH.
Originally constructed in 1893 as a high school and converted into a courthouse in the 1970s, this 130-year-old building posed significant challenges for modern upgrades.
Andre Kloetz, the owner of Bauen Corporation, oversaw the project of converting the courthouse basement, which had previously been used solely for storage, into a functional space housing offices, storage rooms, and holding areas.
In September of 2024, Wicked Cool Mechanical (WCM) was hired by Bauen Corporation to install a new HVAC system that would meet the modern climate control needs of this newly repurposed space.
Commercial HVAC Installation Challenges
- Tight Spaces and Low Ceilings: The basement’s confined spaces, with only 8-foot ceilings and narrow passageways, presented a significant challenge for running the necessary ductwork and piping. The installation required careful planning to navigate the tight areas without compromising performance or accessibility.
- Historic Building Restrictions: Working within the constraints of a historic building, including thick brick walls, required precision to ensure the building’s structural integrity was preserved. Any drilling or modifications needed to be carefully executed.
- Coordination with Other Trades: As this was a full renovation, WCM had to coordinate closely with electricians, framers, dry wallers, and plumbers, ensuring that the HVAC installation proceeded smoothly alongside their efforts. Maintaining communication with all parties was essential to prevent delays and keep the project on track.
Commercial HVAC Solution and Implementation
Wicked Cool Mechanical installed a Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system, which was chosen for its flexibility and efficiency in providing individualized climate control to each of the basement’s new office spaces. The scope of the project included:
- 16 Indoor Wall Units: Each of the 16 newly converted offices received its own wall-mounted VRF unit, giving individual temperature control to each space. This system is ideal for multi-room setups like this, where precise control is necessary for comfort and energy efficiency.
- Energy Recovery System: An energy recovery ventilation system was installed to improve indoor air quality and reduce energy costs, particularly important in a large commercial building. WCM ran 800 feet of tight ductwork through the confined basement spaces to ensure proper air distribution.
- 1300 Feet of Refrigerant Piping: To connect the VRF units, WCM ran 1300 feet of refrigerant piping through the basement’s intricate layout, ensuring that all units operated efficiently despite the building’s structural challenges.
- Brick Wall Penetration: The installation required drilling through the thick brick walls of the courthouse to run the necessary piping and ductwork. WCM’s team handled this process carefully to avoid damage to the historic structure.
- Subcontracted Sheet Metal Work: Wicked Cool Mechanical partnered with Macy Industries out of Hookset, NH for the fabrication and installation of custom sheet metal ductwork, ensuring the ducting was tailored to fit within the limited space.
Testimonial from Andre Kloetz, Owner and Project Manager, Bauen Corporation
“Wicked Cool Mechanical was instrumental in the successful transformation of the Belknap County Courthouse’s basement. From the start, John and his team provided valuable input, helping us navigate space constraints and structural challenges with thoughtful, collaborative solutions.
John’s leadership, calm demeanor, and proactive communication made the project far more manageable. His technical expertise and integrity were evident throughout, and I would highly recommend Wicked Cool Mechanical for future projects. If I were earlier in my career, I would have valued the opportunity to build a long-term working relationship with him.”
Commercial HVAC Installation Results
Wicked Cool Mechanical successfully completed the new HVAC installation within the three-month project timeline, providing the Belknap County Courthouse with a modern climate control solution in its newly renovated basement. The system is now providing efficient, reliable heating and cooling to the newly converted office spaces, while the energy recovery system enhances air quality and reduces operational costs.
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