The Casco Success Story
EPHOCA’S HEAT PUMP INSTALLATION IN THE TALLEST BUILDING IN PORTLAND, MAINE
Overview
Located at 201 Federal Street in the heart of Portland’s business and historic district, ‘The Casco’ is the newest addition to the cityscape standing tall at 18 stories and 190 feet, surpassing the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception’s long-held title as the tallest building in Portland.
This state-of-the-art residential building boasts 265 rental apartments and offers premium amenities including a gym, workspace, and sky lounge. Construction began in 2021, under the leadership of Redfern Properties as the developer, with Landry French as the general contractor collaborating with Ranor Mechanical.
The Challenge
During the planning stages, the project team faced a significant challenge: the decision to move away from traditional PTAC systems. Known for their unattractive appearance, high noise levels, and inefficiency, PTAC systems were not aligned with the modern, high-end vision for the building. However, the building’s facade had already been designed to accommodate PTAC units, posing an additional hurdle.
The Solution
The search for an alternative led the team to Ephoca’s AIO Wall Mounted Pro units. These units offered an ideal solution with their sleek design, whisper-quiet operation, and superior efficiency. Furthermore, the AIO units are highly adaptable and easy to install, featuring Plenum and louver adapters that fit perfectly into the pre- designated PTAC areas on the facade. This adaptability made them the perfect replacement for the planned PTAC systems.
“We value our relationship with Ephoca. They are extremely responsive with world-class service. Projects never go 100% as planned; there are always hiccups. Knowing Ephoca is there to help if anything goes awry is the most important aspect to look out for in a partnership. We look forward to doing future projects together.”
–Aaron St. Pierre, President, Ranor Mechanical
Implementation
Ranor Mechanical played a crucial role in implementing Ephoca’s solution, installing a total of 414 AIO Wall Mounted Pro units. The installation process was seamless, thanks to the units’ design and the support from Ephoca’s team. The project was completed successfully, setting a new standard for residential buildings in Portland.
Results
The installation of Ephoca’s heat pumps brought numerous benefits:
Aesthetic Enhancement: The sleek design of the AIO units complemented the building’s modern architecture.
Noise Reduction: The super quiet operation of the units significantly improved the living experience for residents.
Efficiency Gains: The high efficiency of the units contributed to lower energy consumption and reduced operational costs.
Ease of Installation: The adaptability of the AIO units facilitated a smooth installation process, despite the initial design constraints for PTAC systems.
Conclusion
Ephoca’s AIO Wall Mounted Pro units have set a new benchmark for efficiency, aesthetics, and adaptability in the tallest residential building in Portland, Maine. This project stands as a testament to Ephoca’s commitment to innovation and excellence in heating solutions.