Energy Flows & Future Energy
Narrative:
The project goal was to not only generate energy to meet building needs, but to teach visitors about the passive design principles and technological strategies employed. The new building creates energy by harvesting nature and reduces energy use by design. Interactive touchscreen displays, tours and workshops allow visitors to experience and monitor solar and geothermal systems in real time.
Overall the new Visitor and Administration Center will realize a 40.5% cost savings compared to a typical building of its size. A geothermal heat exchange system uses the earth's constant temperature to reduce nonrenewable energy use. Atop the roof of the main building, integrated photovoltaic panels provide 17.5% of the complex's electricity needs.
The narrow building is east-west oriented and designed to encourage natural ventilation and daylighting. 84% of interior spaces receive daylight and all occupied rooms feature operable windows. The brise-soleil is designed to provide thermal comfort, consistent light levels and full views of the surrounding garden. A DALI lighting system, daylight dimming and motion detection reduces energy consumption. The building is well insulated, and the green roof atop the auditorium further enhances the insulation value.
Metrics :
Total EUI:
40kBtu/sf/yr
Net EUI:
35kBtu/sf/yr
source: http://www.aiatopten.org