Austin Ridge Bible Church
Austin, TX
Expertise
- Faith-Based
Services
- electrical engineering
- mechanical / plumbing engineering
BHB provided the HVAC, plumbing, lighting controls, and power design for renovations and additions at Austin Ridge Bible Church’s Bee Cave campus in Austin, Texas. The congregation was growing in size, and more space was needed to accommodate members and guests. The project consisted of three phases: the addition of a new 79,818 square-foot worship center with 1,500 seats, a new 140,713 square-foot parking garage in close proximity to the worship center, and renovations to an existing building on campus.
Image Credit: © The Beck Group
For the two-story worship center, an overarching challenge that affected mechanical, plumbing, and electrical designs, was that while the new facility was 90% open structure, no piping, HVAC units, or electrical conduits could be exposed in the concourse. Mechanical engineering services included the design of a Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) HVAC system. While most VRF systems have rooftop units, the building Owner wanted the large air handler units indoors, which provided a challenge in trying to hide the system in open ceilings. Other mechanical design services consisted of providing 100% exhaust for the worship center and meeting acoustic requirements so that each sermon can be broadcasted to a virtual audience. BHB’s plumbing design incorporated the architect’s desire to have subsoil drainage under the entire footprint of the building, without exposing any piping.
BHB’s electrical engineers designed the electrical infrastructure for the parking garage and worship center, as well as the lighting controls to meet the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). The new worship building, parking garage, and overall renovations allow the church to hold more people and further extend its reach to the community.
Image Credit: © The Beck Group
Key People
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Ian Bost, PE, LEED AP
Ian Bost, PE, LEED AP
Principal | Senior Mechanical Engineer
Ian Bost began working at BHB in 2001. As one of the youngest and newest additions to the leadership team, Ian still considers himself a kid despite being over the age of 35. Ian’s success at BHB has fostered several new relationships with higher education institutions for which he has become the primary point of contact. His projects at UNT, TCU, and UTA are some of the most technologically advanced for colleges and universities. They have included systems such as single-zone VAV AHUs and chilled beam systems.
Ian’s passion for engineering efficient systems stems from his desire to be a good steward of the land. He is involved with the AIA 2030 Challenge and works closely with our clients to provide sustainable design. Over the years Ian has continuously been involved with professional societies including the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the Texas Society of Professional Engineers. His role as a past president of the Fort Worth ASHRAE Chapter has grown into mentorships for new chapter presidents and members.
He tries to live a balanced life with his family: wife Carmen and their four kids. Ian is a Texas Tech Red Raider Alumni who enjoys supporting his college and its athletic programs. Ian enjoys living and promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Project Experience
Arborlawn United Methodist Church
Central Texas College Nursing Center
Keller ISD Timberview Middle School
Northpark YMCA
TCU Annie Richardson Bass Building
TCU Charlie and Marie Lupton Baseball Clubhouse
TCU Ed & Rae Schollmaier Arena
TCU Frog Alley Parking Garage
TCU Mary Couts Burnett Library
TCU Rees-Jones Hall
Education
Texas Tech University:
Bachelor’s Degree/2000/Mechanical Engineering -
Allen Grammer, PE, NSSA AP
Allen Grammer, PE, NSSA AP
Associate | Mechanical Engineer
Growing up with a construction engineer father, Allen was always fascinated by the giant machines; as he grew up, the technical and problem-solving aspects of the industry drew him to his career as a mechanical engineer. He’ll tell you that it is just as much fun as he imagined it would be. Allen found BHB during his senior year at TCU, when a classmate and then-intern at the company encouraged him to apply. His work experience also includes a summer internship with the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Washington, DC, and he is currently active in the leadership team of the Fort Worth Chapter of ASHRAE.
Not a lot of people know that Allen plays the violin – a little bit of everything, from Mozart to Charlie Daniels. He also enjoys all things tech (such as playing games on the computer), traveling to Disney world, and spending time with his wife Kacy and their small cat family.
Education
Texas Christian University:
Bachelors/2012/Mechanical Engineering