Daylighting Design Update
Case Study 1
Photo courtesy of Guardian; Photo credit: Justin Maconochie
Project: Battle Creek Area Mathematics and Science Center
Location: Battle Creek, MI
Architect: TowerPinkster Architects
Challenge: When the Battle Creek Area Mathematics and Science Center (BCAMSC) outgrew its previous facility, a community partnership selected the former Kellogg Cereal City Museum as the site for a new facility. An energy analysis showed the renovated facility would be at least 15 percent less expensive to operate than the current facility, but the plan required a new, energy-efficient and better-insulated building envelope that included high-performance glass. In addition, the center had to serve dual functions: education for exceptional high-school students from 16 neighboring districts; and the design, manufacture and distribution of science-related curriculum materials.
Criteria: The community partnership tasked TowerPinkster Architects with designing a building that incorporated innovation, flexibility, advanced technology, natural daylighting, and most importantly, areas conducive to inspire students and support the BCAMSC’s mantra of “Innovation through Inspiration.” Taking that approach, the design team developed three design strategies into the building. The first strategy was to maximize the existing space and circulation in order to efficiently develop educational spaces around the existing atrium. The second was to transform the agrarian aesthetic of the museum to that of a cutting-edge learning facility to provide inspiration. Finally, the building was used as a teaching tool with built-in opportunities for learning.
Solution: The solution involved removing the existing roofs and adding a cantilevered second and third floor over the entry plaza. A glass curtain wall was used on the exterior of the second floor allowing a greenhouse at the corner, showcasing the center’s commitment to research-based learning. High-performance glass was used to transform the museum into its current modern design and meet criteria for energy efficiency and daylight. In the center of the building, advanced architectural glass was specified with a 31 percent visible light transmission (VLT) and ultra-low 0.20 solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), which made it an ideal choice to allow natural light to penetrate the classrooms and open spaces. By contrast, on the perimeter of the building, the selected glass delivers a high, 68 percent VLT and has a SHGC of 0.38.
“The glass selection played a very important role in helping us achieve our design goals,” says Matt Slagle, senior design architect with TowerPinkster. “Its neutral appearance allows for the seamless transition from the building’s original form, the former Cereal City USA Museum, to a state-of-the-art school.”
Results: Multiple studies have illustrated that student performance improves with access to natural light, and the selected glass offers the added benefit of managing solar energy, which helps reduce electric lighting and HVAC loads. That impact, and that of several other sustainability minded efforts throughout the building, adds up to a facility designed to LEED Gold levels.
Case Study 2
Photo courtesy of Guardian; Photo credit: Robert R Gigliotti, RRG Photography
Project: Hillshire Brands
Location: Chicago
Architect: Proteus Group
Challenge: Hillshire Brands—formerly Sara Lee Corporation—took its new identity on the road in late 2012, moving from the suburbs into downtown Chicago. The building of choice for its new world headquarters was a 1946 four-story, Alfred S. Alschuler II designed, Art Moderne building in downtown Chicago’s West Loop. Not only did the building team have to complete the $75 million project under a strict, 10-month timeline, it had to make a 66-year-old space new again.
Influence: The goal was to renovate the building to create a campus feel in the Canal-Congress district of the West Loop, an area that is in the midst of revitalization. Hillshire Brands is one of the anchors in an area transitioning from a mix of older, deteriorating buildings and vacant lots to commercial and residential buildings and an expanded transportation center.
Criteria: The heavy brick facade needed a fresh, new look, and Hillshire Brands wanted an open, collaborative work environment, which required a full retrofit inside and out that would enhance its commitment to sound and sustainable business practices.
Solution: Architect Proteus Group called for gutting the interior and removing significant portions of the exterior brick walls, stripping the building down to its concrete frame. The exterior is now punctuated with long bands of ribbon windows, including bent glass corners to continue the look, helping bring expansive natural light into the open floor plan. Mark T. Maturo, AIA, director of design at Proteus Group points out, “The excellent light-to-solar gain ratio of the selected glass contributes to the building’s low energy consumption, moderating the internal temperature while providing the occupants with abundant natural light that moves through the open, community-minded workspace. Also, the low-tint, clear color complemented the 1940s streamlined aesthetic of the building.”
Results: The building is LEED Gold certified and was named 2012 Office Redevelopment of the Year by the Commercial Real Estate Development Association of Chicago.
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