Ragdale

RAGDALE, 1897 | HOWARD VAN DOREN SHAW, ARCHITECT | LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS

ACE ROLE

  • Historic Structures Report & MEP Systems Assessment
  • Design and Construction Documents:
    • Ground-Source Heat Pump Based HVAC System
    • Electrical System Upgrade
    • Plumbing Systems Renovation
    • Fire Sprinkler and Alarm System

Ragdale was Howard Van Doren Shaw’s family country summer home, which he designed and built in 1897. In 1976, Shaw’s granddaughter, Alice Judson Hayes, developed the house and grounds into one of the largest artists’ community in the country.   Now owned by the City of Lake Forest, the Ragdale Foundation continues to operate the building and grounds for a rotating group of diverse artists from around the country.

ACE was the mechanical engineering consultant for a Historic Structures Report (HSR) and restoration project for the Ragdale House.  Our feasibility study of different HVAC systems to improve guest comfort and reduce the building’s overall energy use showed that a ground-source heat pump system had the best overall life cycle cost.  By recommending improvements to the energy efficiency of the building envelope (through existing window renovations and additional insulation), we were able to design a smaller, less costly HVAC system.  Furthermore, the design eliminated any exterior equipment, allowing the grounds to be enjoyed by the residents without obstruction.

PROJECT OUTCOME

Renovation Completed and Systems Operational Including:

  • New zoned ground-source heat pump system
  • Full electrical service upgrade and distribution system
  • Extensive plumbing system renovation
  • Full wet pipe fire sprinkler system and fire alarm system