We are pleased to announce we have been selected by Williams College for the Science Center renewal and expansion project. We have been working with Williams College since the Fall of 2013 on a conditions assessment of existing science buildings, a study to understand future program requirements and a report outlining alternatives and recommendations for the strategic renovation and or replacement of the existing facilities to meet program objectives. The current project direction will replace outdated facilities and create 150,000 GSF of new state-of-the-art research and teaching space for the sciences at the college at a time when over half of all students have at least one major in the science disciplines.
Cape Cod Community College’s Frank and Maureen Wilkens Science and Engineering Center is a net-positive energy building designed to transform the heart of campus.
The project approaches sustainability through a holistic and global approach, implementing a range of moves including passive solar shading overhangs, air-source heat pumps, high performance materials with low embodied carbon and the expansion of the range of thermal comfort and lighting power density. Combined with on-site photovoltaics, the project achieves net-positive energy use.
The project’s thermally modified wood rainscreen façade is a study of the modern expression of vernacular Cape Cod architecture while reducing embodied carbon. Early lifecycle assessments identified the immense carbon savings of wood over fiber cement. The design team did not stop there, furthering reductions by peeling back unnecessary finishes like carpet and ceilings. Together, these decisions enabled a 19% reduction in embodied carbon.
#earthweek #designalways #buildingscience #performalism #netpositive #capecodmodernism #capecod #newengland
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