Building from the Ground Up: Aquatherm North America’s New Home

LINDON, Utah – As polypropylene-random pipe systems continue to revolutionize the piping industry, Aquatherm North America is keeping pace by preparing to move into a new headquarters and fabrication facility in early 2017.

Located in Lindon, Utah, roughly two miles from the company’s existing building, the 82,000-square-foot building will provide ample space for operations, including office space for corporate staff, engineering and quality-assurance laboratories, extensive warehouse space and a state-of-the-art fabrication facility.

Because Aquatherm PP-R piping systems are sustainable, recyclable and the only pipe in North America able to contribute directly to LEED credits, the new headquarters also is being constructed to high environmental standards, including:

• Energy-efficient LEDs and lighting controls are being installed throughout the building. All of the offices and restrooms will have occupancy sensors that automatically turn off the lights when no one is present.
• A high-efficiency boiler and chiller are being installed.
• Low-flow control faucets and flush valves on toilets and urinals will help conserve water.
• A bike rack will inspire employees to skip the car ride to work, while locating the building within two blocks of a bus stop will help encourage employees and visitors to use public transportation.
• Rain water will be recycled directly back to the earth to recharge the ground water.
• Concrete slab walls with a layer of rigid polyisocyanurate insulation and steel studs with fiberglass batt insulation in between will all be covered by sheetrock to achieve a minimum of R-13.
• The roof will feature R-30 insulation.
• All of the exhaust air will be processed through an energy-recovery unit to temper the fresh air coming into the building.
• Construction-activity pollution prevention and construction waste management will be a priority.
• Building lifecycle impact reduction will be included wherever possible.
• A high-efficiency radiant heating and cooling system that provides a comfortable work environment while using the lowest amount of energy possible.

The building also features a great deal of natural light to save energy and provide a feeling of openness. Low-E glass windows in the reception area, skylights in the warehouse and office corridor and large exterior windows yield a wealth of natural light, even on cloudy days. Lights near the energy-efficient windows are controlled by daylight. Additionally, the offices all have glass doors and accompanying pieces of 8-foot vertical glass, allowing natural light to penetrate into interior offices.

Aquatherm PP-R piping systems will also be used extensively throughout the building:

• Aquatherm Blue Pipe in ½- to 3-inch sizes is being used to convey heating and chilled water throughout the office area to the Aquatherm Black System radiant heating and cooling panels.
• Aquatherm Green Pipe in ½- to 4-inch sizes is being used to convey potable water throughout the building. The pipe in ½- to 1-inch sizes also is being used for the compressed-air system in the production, lab and testing areas.
• Aquatherm Red Pipe in ½- to 3-inch sizes is being used for the fire sprinkler system in the office and training areas.
• Aquatherm Lilac Pipe in 4- to 6-inch sizes is being used for the roof drainage system.
• Aquatherm Black System radiant panels are being used to heat and cool the office and training areas of the building. Efficient radiant heating and cooling panels in 2 by 2 sizes are being used in the ceiling as well as 14-ch by-4-foot and 14-inch by-8-foot sizes in the walls where necessary. Zone controls will help create the best thermal comfort available.

Aquatherm expects to move into the building in February 2017.