Architecture Firm:
NAC|Architecture
Completion Date:
August 2006
Project Format (not yet built / built):
Built
Project Size (sf / site acreage):
97,000 SF
Project Location:
Tacoma, WA
Budget ($/sq Ft, optional):
$190/SF
Interior Designer:
NAC|Architecture
General Contractor:
Leo Finnegan Construction
Landscape Designer:
Weisman Design Group
Lighting Consultant:
N/A
Structural Engineer:
Coughlin Porter Lundeen
Mechanical Engineer:
Hargis Engineers
Electrical Engineer:
Tres West Engineers
Commissioning Agent:
Keithly Barber Associates
Air Quality Consultant:
N/A
Civil Engineer:
Sitts & Hills Engineers
Owner:
N/A
Sustainable Sites:
The site design supports the high-performance goals of the project. The orientation of the project maximizes the daylighting potential of the building and provides a succession of active outdoor spaces for student activity. All of the stormwater on site goes through a large biofiltration swale at the main entry point to the site, which is designed as an open, gently sloping lawn area accessible to students.
Toward Zero Energy:
None of the classrooms have mechanical cooling. Instead, a displacement ventilation system slowly introduces 100% outside air to the rooms low in the space. As natural convection forces the air to rise, it exhausts through open daylight/ventilation shafts at the rear of each room. As the air is exhausted, it passes through a high-efficiency flat plate heat exchanger, tempering the incoming fresh air without mixing. Also, automatically-dimming light fixtures in all classrooms adjust to provide only the amount of light needed for learning.
Local and Sustainable Materials:
Highly durable materials were selected to reduce the need for maintenance and replacement in the future. High levels of recycled content are incorporated in the carpet, ceiling tiles and metal panels. The corridor and stair walls are protected by impact-resistant medium density fiberboard with no added urea-formaldehydes. Locally-extracted and fabricated materials were used where possible, such as the concrete block manufactured at a local plant.
Sustainable Water:
The toilet rooms have low water use fixtures. The biofiltration swale protects the quality and rate of water released downstream. Drought-resistant and native plants were used in the landscaping.
IEQ and Comfort:
The displacement ventilation system was the first of its type installed in a school building in Washington State and it has inspired the design of several others. The system uses 100% outside air in all occupied modes of operation, resulting in extremely high indoor air quality. On warm days, the system puts room air under slight negative pressure, so that a breeze effect is created through the operable windows. Windows subject to sun exposure are shaded by horizontal grate sunshades and continuous angled exterior louvers, controlling glare and solar heat load. The slow flow of displacement air also improves acoustics in the classroom.
Collective Wisdom and Feedback:
The integrated systems were developed for this building by looking at a variety of building types in the US and Europe. By seeing similar systems working in similar climates around the world, we were able to refine our design with confidence that it would work. The effects on energy use and absenteeism are being tracked by the School District.
Regional/Community Design:
The building was designed as a counterpoint to the urban grid in which it is situated. It has been the subject of several tours and presentations, which have influenced the community of school building professionals in our region.
