Completion Date:
July 2009
Project Size (sf / site acreage):
29,240 sf
Project Location:
Seattle, Washington
General Contractor:
Absher Construction
Landscape Designer:
Site Workshop
Lighting Consultant:
Arup
Structural Engineer:
Coughlin Porter Lundeen
Mechanical Engineer:
Arup
Electrical Engineer:
Arup
Commissioning Agent:
Welsh Commissioning Group
Civil Engineer:
Coughlin Porter Lundeen
Other:
Envelope, RDH Building Services; Historical Renovation, Peter Meijer Architects
Owner:
Unversity of Washington
Sustainable Sites:
Clark Hall is nestled within the active, high-density University of Washington campus fabric with ample access to public transportation. Existing pedestrian circulation surrounds the building, leaving minimal new site work, a sustainable gesture itself. The overall building footprint is reduced by removing a small, single-story addition; yet overall program space is increased by recapturing an attic condemned by fire damage and transforming it into a light-filled community space. The amount of lawn area is minimized and all other landscape areas consist of plantings appropriate to the specific microclimatic conditions, taking into account exposure to the sun, wind, humidity and adjacent surfaces and materials. Species are native and non-invasive. A large portion of the landscape area utilizes water efficient drip irrigation. These strategies result in a decrease of over 50% in the amount of potable water used for irrigation. Erosion control and stormwater management measures are integrated with the overall University design. Efforts were made to reduce the impact of construction through protection of open space and low-impact construction management. Site lighting is minimal and relies on the existing campus system around the building, adding a few small scale fixtures to improve wayfinding. The site also accommodates a large population of bicyclists.
Toward Zero Energy:
The renovation of Clark Hall takes full advantage of the historic building fabric that promotes energy savings. New perimeter offices replace original dormitory rooms and classrooms occupy the east wing providing exterior exposure on north, east and south elevations. More than 95% of programmed space allows users direct access to daylight and fresh air. A high-efficiency split system provides spot cooling to a few code required interior spaces. Thick masonry walls provide thermal mass that facilitate performance of the natural ventilation system. Extensive research was undertaken to upgrade the historic building envelope, developing a design solution that maintained vapor permeability, exceeds current energy codes, and provides insulation that improves thermal comfort for all spaces within the building. This involved on-site metering of existing temperature and humidity, computer modeling to provide accurate comfort range data, and physical mock-ups to measure water and moisture migration. High performance glazing with ceramic frit and low-e coatings are utilized for overhead skylights to reduce excessive heat gain. Ample daylight and highly efficient lighting tied to occupancy sensors reduces the electrical load for the building. Building utility systems benefit by tapping the central plant lines (steam, air, etc) and improve overall campus efficiency by reducing redundancy. These strategies suggest an anticipated site energy savings of 35% above the code minimum, with a reduced carbon footprint of 33% or 70 tons of CO2 per year.
Local and Sustainable Materials:
The re-use of an existing building is an exemplary use of material resources, lessening the amount of demolition waste reaching the landfill. New materials were chosen to be durable, easily maintainable, and recyclable and/or containing recycled content. Existing brick masonry is re-used and removed copper elements are returned to the University for re-use on other maintenance projects. Low VOC emitting materials with good acoustic qualities are used to enhance the interior environment. Locally harvested and manufactured materials are selected, and building spaces are designed to minimize intense material use and maximize ease of recycling. Waste management practices are fully integrated into the building, and spaces are arranged with consideration for technology that reduces the need for excess paper and storage. Construction waste management is expected to divert a minimum 75% of material out of landfills.
Sustainable Water:
In addition to reducing water use for irrigation, various strategies are employed within the building to ensure efficient water usage at Clark Hall. Outdated plumbing systems are removed, and high performance fixtures are specified throughout the building to reduce water consumption. Dual flush valve toilets, low flow sinks with infrared auto sensors, low flow urinals, and locker rooms with ultra low flow showers provide a water savings in excess of 35% above code minimum.
IEQ and Comfort:
Air quality within the original building was likely very good, with ample ventilation and basic inert materials. Subsequent renovations over the years introduced chemicals and pollutants into the building, reducing the indoor environmental quality of the spaces. Removal of pollutant sources and improving space arrangements to allow for good flow of fresh outside air and access to daylight helps to improve the health and productivity of the users. Walk-off mats at the entries reduce exterior pollutants from entering the building. Extensive commissioning work throughout the design and construction phase provides a tuned building offering user controlled thermal comfort year round. The University maintenance staff employs a sustainable housekeeping program that will maintain indoor air quality as the building ages.
Collective Wisdom and Feedback:
The project team worked collaboratively with University personnel and facilities throughout the project to make sure design solutions addressed building and site specific issues, while minding larger campus and public concerns. An eco-charrette was conducted during the pre-design phase to develop goals related to the environmental vision for the Clark Hall project. User groups, Capital Projects, Engineering Services, students, public utilities and other University departments discussed sustainable strategies for improving site conditions, water and energy efficiency, material resource use, and air quality during the renovation.
The team traveled with University representatives to Vancouver, BC to study successful passive ventilation technologies in recently completed buildings. The University’s Capital Projects Office for Sustainable Construction and Resource Conservation helped to coordinate the building’s initial impact to school-wide sustainability efforts. These impacts will be metered throughout the life of the building to assess overall campus efficiency.
Regional/Community Design:
The University of Washington is a state supported institution of higher education and is exemplary in accomplishing a building renovation that supports program development while incorporating many reasonable sustainable practices within budget.
Seeking a LEED Silver certification, the Clark Hall renovation project plays a key role in a larger campus that is addressing global concerns about the environment. This project serves as a catalyst to continue these discussions and continually improve how the built environment treats the natural surroundings.