Cosmetology Building

The Ashland Community and Technical College (ACTC) cosmetology program was operating in an aging facility and desired to relocate the program to an upgraded location. The initial design was prepared using site-built construction and included a complicated low voltage lighting system and complex HVAC control system, pushing the project over budget. ACTC still wanted an energy efficient building that could accommodate the needs of the program, including a high use of hot water, and meet their budget and schedule constraints.

Our team provided a 5,982 square foot building to the ACTC Cosmetology program that blends seamlessly into the campus. With Whitley Manufacturing, we worked with the project team to redesign the original layout to provide a more efficient work-flow and reduce the cost of manufacturing and site installation. To make the building energy efficient, we utilized standard energy efficient lay-in lights coupled with occupancy sensors in every room. The HVAC system was also redesigned to utilize electric heat pumps with programmable thermostats and CO2 sensors which improved indoor air quality. To accommodate the high use of hot water without natural gas being readily available, the team utilized a single, high-recovery, three-phase water heater that provides hot water for students and clientele at all times.

The program now houses 22 individual stations in its main salon area where students cut, style, color and perm hair. Each station is wired for electricity allowing the students to conveniently use their styling equipment. The building also includes six manicure, three pedicure, four back wash, and three treatment stations as well as five commercial hair-dryers, a classroom, waiting room, and office. A private entrance was also installed at the rear of the building to serve their Stepping Stones program, allowing clients with hair loss due to chemotherapy to discretely come for free wigs and related services.

Through working closely with the project team, we were able to reduce the overall project cost by approximately 9% while still providing an energy efficient environment for ACTC students and their clients.