Primrose Schools

Project Description  

D.R.A. Properties partnered with Resource Consulting Engineers (Resource) to design a new daycare center in Ankeny, Iowa. The goal was to create a safe, healthy, and energy-efficient environment tailored to the needs of early childhood education.

Scope of Work  

Resource served as the mechanical and plumbing sub-consultant, working in coordination with Imprint Architects and Tesdell Electric. The scope included full mechanical design—heating, cooling, and ventilation—as well as plumbing systems. A key feature was the integration of a dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) with energy recovery to manage ventilation demands.

Challenge Faced 

Daycare facilities require significantly higher ventilation rates than typical commercial buildings, which can create challenges in balancing indoor air quality with energy efficiency. To address this, the team implemented a DOAS that could condition incoming air—either heating or dehumidifying it depending on the season—before it entered the building.

Project Outcome 

Completed in Spring 2020, the daycare continues to benefit from a high-performance ventilation system that delivers fresh, conditioned air to every room. The success of this system in maintaining indoor air quality and occupant comfort has made it a model for future daycare centers, helping to prevent the air quality issues that have affected similar facilities nationwide.