The Birches - Facility Upgrade

completed

The project consists of two components: 1) install ductless heat pumps in key areas of the building ; and 2) replace the flooring in the entire facility. Rationale: 1) the ductless heat pumps will remove the high humidity and cool the building. The current air handling system is approximately 40 years old. It is the only supply unit for the entire building and is having a negative impact on the air quality. The facility suffers from high temperatures and humidity during the summer months which affects both the staff and residents negatively; and 2) the new new no-wax vinyl sheet flooring will replace the vinyl/composite tile which is original to the building. Many of the tiles have cracked, shrunk or have lifted flooring. This has created an unsafe environment from both a safety and environmental perspective, as the spaces between the tiles are areas that can house and promote the bacterial, fungal or mold growth.