Lang Music Building HVAC and Electrical Upgrades at Swarthmore College

Swarthmore College’s Lang Music Building supports the college’s academic and performance programs with a range of acoustically sensitive spaces, including a 400+ seat concert hall, classrooms, rehearsal rooms, and an atrium. In 2019, Trefz was brought on to provide full MEP design services for a comprehensive building upgrade. The goal was to modernize the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems to meet rigorous environmental control standards for live performance and instrument maintenance as well as design the low temperature heating system to easily integrate with the campus’ geoexchange system once the infrastructure was in place.

The Scope

The existing HVAC systems at Lang had reached the end of their useful life and were no longer capable of providing the precise environmental control needed for sensitive musical applications. The building required upgrades that would ensure year-round stability in temperature and humidity, critical for the large performance spaces and especially the preservation of the hall’s original pipe organ.

Trefz was tasked with designing replacement central ventilation and hydronic systems, new terminal equipment, piping, and ductwork throughout the building. A new Direct Digital Control (DDC) system was also designed to integrate into the campus’s existing BAS headend. Electrical upgrades included replacing outdated gear and panels, upgrading lighting relay systems, and accommodating the power needs of the new HVAC and control systems. New restrooms were also designed to meet accessibility compliance standards.

The Process

Designing for acoustically sensitive environments required close collaboration with the architect and the college’s facilities team. Every system was selected and configured to reduce noise, vibration, and airflow disruption. The team paid particular attention to component sizing and routing to maintain quiet operation, especially in and around the Performance Hall and rehearsal spaces.
Given the complexity of the building’s spaces, including multiple room types with differing performance and teaching needs, Trefz’s design focused on flexibility and controllability. The DDC system was specified to allow for fine-grained monitoring and adjustment, helping the College maintain consistent environmental conditions across the building.

The electrical team worked in parallel to identify and replace outdated panels and gear, ensuring system reliability and code compliance, while also supporting future upgrades.

The Result

The Lang Music Building now benefits from modern HVAC and electrical systems that meet the College’s rigorous standards for acoustics, instrument preservation, and occupant comfort. Custom air handling units with energy recovery and sound attenuation were deployed to ensure quiet, efficient performance. The new DDC system provides better control and visibility into building operations, while updated electrical infrastructure supports long-term reliability and serviceability.

Together, these upgrades extend the useful life of the Lang Music Building and support its continued role as a hub for performance, rehearsal, and music education at Swarthmore.

Let’s Collaborate

Trefz delivers high-performance engineering solutions for spaces that demand precision. From academic buildings to performance venues, we design systems that enhance comfort, function, and longevity. Let’s talk about how we can support your next project.