Vic Village South Luxury Apartments

Elevating Ductwork: Pro-R Duct Delivers Superior Energy Efficiency and Aesthetics for Vic Village South Apartments

Vic Village South Luxury Apartments, a premium residential complex catering to students in Ann Arbor, MI, required an energy-efficient and reliable HVAC solution to ensure optimal indoor air quality and comfort for its residents. With the complex’s elevated architectural design and rooftop space constraints, a durable and aesthetically pleasing ductwork solution was required that also fit the project’s needs-longevity, energy-efficiency, resident comfort, and the ability to withstand Michigan’s varying climate conditions. 

Michigan Air Products' Solution

Michigan Air Products, in collaboration with MA Engineering, proposed the use of Pro-R Duct Outdoor Phenolic Duct for its superior thermal insulation properties. The duct was fabricated and internally insulated with Kingspan’s R8.1 UL181 Class 1 code-compliant phenolic panels. The exterior clad panels are made from 0.040” Firestone Kynar embossed aluminum. The phenolic foam core provides better insulation compared to traditional materials, minimizing heat loss and maintaining consistent temperatures. Pro-R Duct's reduced weight simplifies the installation process, making it quicker and more cost-effective without compromising durability or performance. 

Built to SMACNA construction standards, Pro-R Duct ensures high-quality and reliable performance. Its construction offers long-term corrosion resistance and significant labor efficiency savings during installation. Pro-R Duct is also available in various color choices to meet aesthetic requirements. 

The Result

The collaboration between Michigan Air Products, MA Engineering, and RW Mead in implementing Pro-R Duct at Vic Village South Luxury Apartments was a resounding success. From an installation and maintenance perspective, the phenolic duct system proved to be an excellent choice. Pro-R Duct not only met the building's aesthetic and structural requirements but also offers significant energy savings, minimal long-term maintenance, and reliable performance for years to come. Tom Young of RW Mead commented, “The 30x30 duct is impressively lightweight and easy to move without compromising on quality. Typically, a duct of this size with a 2-inch liner would be quite heavy, but this one feels nearly half the weight. The connections are standard, and the finish is excellent. It looks great on the roof.”