October 3rd 2022

Affiliated Engineers Inc. used IESVE to carry out detailed energy modelling for mass timber construction project

Affiliated Engineers Inc. used IESVE to carry out detailed energy modelling for mass timber construction project

Affiliated Engineers, Inc. (AEI) used the IES Virtual Environment (IESVE) to carry out detailed energy modelling for mass timber construction project - Anthony Timberlands Center for Design and Materials Innovation

AEI were contracted as the MEP Engineers for this 32,000sf mass timber architectural teaching facility with a metalwork, 3D printing and high bay workshop, auditorium, teaching studios and ancillary support spaces.

AEI used the IESVE to carry out detailed performance modelling of the building and its systems to ensure optimal energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and that it delivered against the University’s high aspirations for sustainable performance but remained within the project’s budget.



Central to the build design was the unique profiled roof and its ability to drive a stack natural ventilation of the high bay workshop to deliver passive cooling and ventilation requirements per ASHRAE 62.1-2019. In coordination with Grafton and Modus (project architects), the location and size of the apertures were integrated into the fenestration. IESVE Macroflo was used to test and optimize the natural ventilation system design, with IESVE Microflo supporting to validate the airflow patterns and distribution across the large volume. The CFD studies were used to identify thermal comfort concerns for upper level gallery space adjacent to the large atrium, with the thermal line of the building changed to mitigate potential issues.

“From the commencement of the project IESVE provided the ability to create complex geometry, allowed the team to quickly iterate building forms and shading solutions. As well as model a range of different HVAC strategies, including geothermal heating and cooling, VRF and the final selection of a dual wheel DOAS and air source heat pump with heat recovery. Throughout the project, IESVE was used to optimize the insulation and glazing performance and for load sizing of the HVAC equipment.”

Joss Hurford, Building Performance Engineer, Affiliated Engineers, Inc.


Project Facts:

  • Building Owner: University of Arkansas
  • Architects:  Grafton Architects, Modus Studio
  • MEP Engineer: Affiliated Engineers, Inc.
  • 32,000 sf architectural teaching facility
  • 32% saving over ASHRE 90.1-2013 baseline
  • LEED – Gold (targeted)
  • EUI – 53 kBtu/sf/year
  • 14 of 18 LEED v4 Optimized Energy Performance points