Skolkovo University comprises researchers from around the world, focusing on five research areas: Biomedical, Nuclear, Energy, Space and Information Science. To promote collaboration between the research areas and enable future growth, shared programs—such as machine shops, imaging, vivarium and cleanroom—are centrally located. Cross pollination is further reinforced by the interconnected nature of the laboratory bars, which share support spaces by distinguishing between “host” and “loft” buildings.
The host building contains all necessary support spaces as if it was an independent building. The loft buildings leverage the adjacent host building’s core functions including vertical circulation and bathrooms. As a result, the core spaces within the loft buildings can be reduced in size. This reduction provides additional open laboratory space to allow for greater flexibility.
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.
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