Silent Ice Center – Commercial New Construction & Maintenance

Project Overview

Aries Airflo was selected to provide a full design-build HVAC solution for Silent Ice’s new facility, from design and installation to service and maintenance.

• Designed HVAC System: Aries collaborated closely with 908 Engineering to finalize the system design and produce detailed engineered drawings that addressed the facility’s specialized needs. The open ductwork layout was carefully planned to ensure both function and aesthetics, aligning with the exposed ceiling structure and maintaining consistent airflow throughout.
• Installed HVAC Equipment: Precision installation was critical, especially in the ice rink areas where climate control plays a vital role. Aries installed all HVAC equipment and ductwork to meet strict requirements for heating, cooling, humidity control, and ventilation—ensuring balanced performance across all zones.

Unique Challenges

There were several challenges with the installation of the HVAC system that are often present with large-scale buildings like Silent Ice. Here are a couple that our team faced and approached with innovative solutions:

1. Pipe Installation in Roof Trusses

To ensure effective air distribution in the rinks, we had to install large-diameter ductwork within the webs of the roof trusses—a task made difficult by the height and inaccessibility from the ground.

Solution: Aries leveraged the crane already onsite for the building’s structural erection. Our coordinated method involved lifting and placing three roof trusses at a time, followed by threading three duct sections into position—saving time and avoiding the need for specialized access equipment.

2. Shared Service Corridors

Lower building areas presented another challenge: narrow hallways had to house not only our HVAC ducting, but also plumbing lines, hydronic heating, electrical, lighting, and fire sprinklers.

Solution: Through innovative thinking and careful planning, our team developed a coordinated approach to navigate the tight spaces. By closely collaborating with other trades and thoughtfully sequencing our work, we were able to avoid conflicts, minimize rework, and maintain project timelines.

Ongoing Care: Nordic, A Trusted Partner

Following the completion and installation of the HVAC systems, Silent Ice quickly sought out a maintenance contractor that could help maintain their HVAC equipment and protect their investment.

To provide ongoing care, Aries introduced Silent Ice to Nordic Mechanical Services, their trusted partner in service and maintenance. Nordic quickly earned the confidence of the building operations team and was awarded the contract for quarterly preventative maintenance, ensuring long-term performance, energy efficiency, and system reliability.

Together, Aries and Nordic delivered a true turnkey solution—from concept, design, and installation, to long-term support and maintenance.