http://www.whrc.org
http://www.aiatopten.org/hpb/overview.cfm?ProjectID=257

The project began with an existing 1890's summer home which was extensively refurbished and linked to a new 4 story addition. The completed high performance building provides 19,000 sq.ft. of offices, conference rooms, and laboratories for the staff of the WHRC which studies the link between deforestation, climate change, and global warming. The building has numerous sustainable highlights.

Engineered wood was combined with FSC certified framing material. The maple flooring and the exterior cedar shingles are also FSC certified. The interior trim, and exterior ship-lapped siding are certified under the SmartWood program.

The building’s mechanical system begins with a standing column geo-thermal well and six high efficiency heat pumps. Water to water heat pumps are connected to individually controlled hydronic valance units in each office. Water to air heat pumps provide conditioned air to the common area, auditorium and lab. Return air is ducted to energy recovery units on the roof to remove or recover latent and sensible heat. This in turn pre-conditions the 20 cfm of outside air ducted to each office. In concert with the mechanical system, operable windows, sensor integrated T8 ceiling lighting and CFL task lighting allow the researchers to control their office environments.

A 26kW roof mounted photovoltaic array generated approximately 32% of the building’s electrical demand in 2005. Three 4’x8’ solar thermal flat plate collectors provided 88% of the staffs domestic hot water demands between May and November.

The building envelop was insulated with 8-10” of spray applied polyurethane foam. An additional 4” of rigid insulation above the roof sheathing create a combined roof insulation value of approximately R45. Casement windows on the new wing are triple glazed, low-E, argon filled. The double hung units specified to maintain the character of the Victorian era house were double glazed, low-E, argon filled. Low VOC paints and sealants were used to promote healthy indoor air quality.

A RUCK de-nitrification septic system allows the Center to monitor the nitrate levels from the building. Extensive native landscaping complements the outdoor hardscape elements while a cistern collects rainwater from the roof top.

The WHRC project has won several awards including a first prize from the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association in 2004. In the same year, the American Institute of Architects Committee on the Environment awarded the building a Top Ten Green Award.

The project was designed by William McDonough + Partners. SUNBIOSIS principal, Jeff Sties, AIA served as Project Architect for the two year construction administration phase.