Some challenges I encountered in this duct routing exercise is overlapping the supply and return ducts. I had to position 10” supply duct at 10’ 6” from the floor and 10” return duct at 11’ 6” so that they can overlap without obstructing each other. Also, mapping the ducts and air terminals to not be in the middle of floor openings (staircases) or atriums.
I designed the air terminals in each space to meet the required CFM. Also, for each air terminal, I modified it fit the range of need. For example, in the restrooms required 50 CFM so I changed the air terminal to provided 100 CFM each so that there isn’t too much energy invested in a space that does not need it.
To make the design more sustainable, I would recommend is reducing the length and size of the ducts. Shorter ducts with less bends can reduce the amount of air resistance, which can decrease the amount of energy required to push air through the system. Also, it might be more expensive but insulating the ducts so that there is less heat loss.