Monticello Motor Club, dubbed the world’s premier automotive playground, is the place to be for New York supercar fans with a need for speed. Membership to the club, which starts with a $65,000 initiation fee, provides access to 4.1 miles of closed-course racetrack, a clubhouse, professional driving instruction, a private chef, two helipads, vehicle storage space, concierge service, and BMWs and Porsches for everyone.
The services and facilities are second to none. Except for the HVAC systems — a replacement project that Bob Bogert, owner of Alpine Air Heating & AC, was contacted about as driving season wrapped up late last year.
Previously, the 10,000 square-foot clubhouse was served by four oversized rooftop units totaling about 60 tons of cooling capacity and about 1MMBTU of propane-fired heating, connected to a system of ductwork. Complaints included lack of zoning and comfort, and the fact that the RTUs were ridiculously loud — especially in the classrooms, where new racers were trying to learn the ins and outs of driving at extreme speed. As a replacement, Alpine Air suggested a VRF heat pump system.
The clubhouse originally had four zones. Alpine Air installed 13 zones. Three 8-ton Fujitsu Airstage VRF condensing units were mounted on the roof. The indoor units consisted of ceiling cassettes and medium- and high-static ducted units. The old ductwork was removed.
The show-ready garage space, with a total of six bays, is now conditioned by three 3-ton ceiling cassettes. Each of the two classrooms is served by two 30,000-BTU medium-static ducted units. In the kitchen, a 2-ton medium static air handler is used, and the lounge, locker rooms, and restrooms utilize either 12,000 or 18,000-BTU ceiling cassettes.
The main area of the clubhouse features the entry and a bar, and has a four-ton, high-static air handler. Because of the 11-foot ceilings, the team used a high-static air handler for premium comfort during heating season. Each zone features touch-screen, wall-mount controls, and the system provides facility managers with remote access.
