EP Engineering delivers full MEP services for Bam Kazam expansion at American Dream Mall

East Rutherford, NJ EP Engineering, a engineering services firm, is proud to share the completion of full mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineering services for the expansion of Bam Kazam, a “human arcade” venue opening new locations at the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford and in Houston. The immersive entertainment spaces, ranging from 10,000 to 22,000 s/f, feature more than twenty themed challenge rooms, obstacle and puzzle experiences, control rooms, a main lobby, and hospitality areas.

“Our team was excited to engineer solutions for such a dynamic and experience-driven environment,” said Giovanni Meléndez, partner at EP Engineering. “Bam Kazam required systems that perform seamlessly amid constantly changing occupancy, movement, and energy demands. The final design ensures comfort, safety, and efficiency without limiting the creativity of the space.”

EP Engineering’s work focused on creating highly efficient, flexible systems that support the unique operational needs of the venue’s multi-room, multi-experience layout. The MEP design incorporated both water-source heat pump systems and fan coil unit HVAC systems connected to each building’s central condenser and chilled water supply and return loops. This approach provides efficient, reliable heating and cooling across all zones while accommodating the diverse thermal loads and occupancy patterns of the challenge rooms, lobby, offices, and support areas.

EP Engineering’s design team navigated several technical and operational challenges throughout the project. One of the primary hurdles involved meeting the strict and detailed tenant design guidelines required by both venues. The team also had to account for the varied HVAC needs across the diverse program spaces — from the high-activity challenge and obstacle rooms to the hospitality areas, offices, and control rooms — each presenting different thermal loads and occupancy patterns. In addition, the engineers were tasked with adapting and integrating the existing base-building systems to support the venue’s new use and performance requirements, ensuring all components worked seamlessly within the pre-established infrastructure.

EP Engineering’s solutions delivered a full-compliance, high-performance design that met all applicable code and tenant requirements. In accordance with the 2021 NJECC and the American Dream Mall Tenant Design Guidelines, the HVAC systems utilize water-source heat pumps connected to the mall’s central condenser loop, achieving the required standards for mechanical efficiency. All equipment selections and layout strategies were developed to satisfy tenant coordination guidelines, ensuring smooth integration with the base-building systems. Temperature controls were also carefully designed to optimize energy performance while maintaining stable, comfortable indoor conditions for guests and staff.

In compliance with ASHRAE/ACCA 183, the HVAC design incorporates fan coil units connected to the existing water loop, providing efficient system operation and meeting all performance requirements.

With the engineering of Bam Kazam’s new locations, EP Engineering continues to expand its portfolio of innovative entertainment, experiential, and large-scale commercial projects across the country.