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Capitol Area System (CAS) Thermal Plant - Hartford, CT

Client: State of Connecticut Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Construction Services.

Summary: 3D visualization and proactive problem-solving results in SIGMA7s award to design/build the replacement Hartford Capitol Area System (CAS) central heating and cooling plant for the State of CT Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Construction Services. The new critical infrastructure plant will ensure ongoing, and reliable functionality with an updated, efficient, and modern facility supporting the CAS loop for many years to come.

Following a nearly yearlong qualifications and selection process with the State of Connecticut Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Construction Services, SIGMA7 and Bartlett Brainard Eacott (Architect and Engineer of Record and Design Builder respectively) were awarded the project and selected to develop, design, and deliver the new Capitol Area System (CAS) Thermal Plant in support of the existing State of Connecticut Buildings and Facilities currently located on the central heating and cooling system loop.

The original plant, which is aged and failing, can no longer fulfill the growing heating and cooling requirements of the structures on the CAS central heating and cooling loop, is slated to be razed to implement proposed modifications and improvements to the elevated I-84 roadway by CT State DOT. The roadway, slated to be re-aligned, is located adjacent to the rear of the site. The new plant will be located on the same site adjacent to the highway, the CAS central heating and cooling loop, and several of the buildings the CAS loop services.

The Design and Build team prepared a presentation for the CT DAS selection team that included a conceptual design solution. The response identified potential areas for improvement and other advancements to the design and implementation of the facility. The solution provided an effective buildable solution that improved upon the conceptual design included with the RFP documentation.

The team’s solution also resolved constructability issues and systems concerns as well as providing improvements for the day-to-day and the long-term ongoing operation of the proposed critical operations facility. The team’s proposal presented a forward-thinking solution, improving upon the project deliverable, the facilities operation, value engineering benefits, and the optimization of life-cycle cost for the plant.

The Design and Build team were awarded the project based upon their proactive conceptual design and project implementation response. The team clearly demonstrated that they were prepared to undertake this significant project to replace the aged and failing central heating and cooling plant facility.

SIGMA7 and Bartlett Brainard Eacott completed a preliminary conceptual design of the proposed site, structure, and mechanical systems in 3D. Views and images created in the 3D model were presented to the client along with an interactive virtual walk-through of the proposed facility. The visualization provided by the design/build team enabled our team to clearly convey our issues and concerns with the original concept as well as present the improvements and benefits of our solution to the CT DAS team, leading to our success and award of the project.

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