Meeting the MEP/FP Needs of an Expanding Brewery
Since 2019, Tighe & Bond has worked in conjunction with Austin Design Cooperative and Tree House Brewing Company to design mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection (MEP/FP) systems for multiple projects on their facility. This 130,000 SF craft brewery, warehouse, and retail facility in Charlton, MA is a destination for beer enthusiasts, attracting visitors from all over the United States.
During 2019 and early 2020, Tighe & Bond was involved in the design of an initial facility expansion comprised of an approximately 16,000 SF addition. This addition allowed the facility to meet growing demands for larger retail and bar areas. In addition, a 2,000 SF mezzanine expansion was constructed over the existing production floor, giving patrons a unique opportunity to experience the brewing process up close.
A new patio offers an indoor/outdoor space that connects to hiking trails on the property. Tighe & Bond’s team designed MEP/FP systems featuring high-efficiency, air-source heat pumps for heating and cooling Tree House’s expanded office space and upgraded fire alarm systems throughout the facility. Later in 2020, Tighe & Bond and Austin Design Cooperative also designed an expanded cooler and kitchen facility to further support the expanding retail operations at the facility.
In early 2021, Tighe & Bond was engaged with Austin Design Cooperative to support the design process for the build-out of a 5,000 SF spirits distillation facility with approximately 950 SF of storage rooms. The MEP/FP services included new electrical distribution, new lighting, and power and fire alarm layouts. The plumbing design included fixture selection, water heaters, recirculation pumps, and piping for propane, hot and cold water, and recirculation. The HVAC scope included a gas-fired roof top unit, ventilation systems for distillery and compressor room and supply, and exhaust and return ductwork systems. This scope also included combustible gas detection that is interfaced with the building fire alarm system.
In 2022, Tighe & Bond worked with Austin Design Cooperative on the design of a spirit storage space for the aged barrels in a vacant prefabricated metal building on the site. The building is a Class 1 Division 2 environment. The electrical scope included relocating the existing power panelboard and fire alarm control panel to the building exterior in an environmentally controlled enclosure.
Currently, Tighe & Bond is working with Tree House on the design of a significant expansion to the facilities existing brewhouse and associated boiler plant, including HVAC and electrical modifications to support the expanded brewhouse and the addition of a second process steam boiler.
Services Snapshot
Tighe & Bond provided mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection (MEP/FP) and structural engineering services in support of multiple expansion projects at the Tree House Brewing Company facility.
