Low Energy and High Performance

Design strategies and systems integration resulted in natural lighting in the workspace. Skylights with baffles control the level of light emitted into the workspace and work in conjunction with high-efficiency light fixtures and dimming controls to maintain comfortable overhead lighting levels. Light shelves on the south-facing wall maintain task lighting levels by controlling the sun’s radiation angle at different times of year. For energy efficiency a geo-thermal HVAC system was used. This consisted of 35 vertical closed loops in five circuits to extract heat from the earth in the winter and to reject heat into the earth in the summer. Radiant flooring in the work area provides greater comfort than a forced-air system. Air locks at the car and associate entrances prevent air infiltration. An override option on the car vestibules allows both doors to be open for cross ventilation in favorable weather conditions. In hot weather operable windows and skylights create a “chimney effect” with breezes being pulled in the windows and hot air leaving through the skylights. The use of thermally efficient walls with R24 insulation and roof with R30 insulation were constructed to conserve energy and thus reduce utility costs.