For 2 or 3 units
- Site Location: The proposed project site for this Sustainable Built Environment Learning and Exhibition Center is Eagle Rock Reservation in West Orange, New Jersey. This 400+ acre reservation is mostly tree covered and has varied terrain. However, the proposed area for this project is right by the existing Observation Deck and is quite flat and clear of trees. This space includes a great view of the New York City Skyline, as well as the reservation as a whole in the opposite direction. Locating this sustainable building exhibition here would provide visitors with a beautiful contrast between the energy draining “concrete jungle” about 13 miles away and the energy efficient exhibition space. I chose this location for a challenge from a thermal design perspective, as NJ gets quite cold in the winter. Being in NJ, the development limits and green space maintenance also poses a challenge for this design. It is not very far (less than half a mile) from 2 medium-sized lakes, which can help with water sourcing and passive cooling.
- Climate Conditions: As shown from the Climate Consultant charts below from this county, this space will have a much greater issue providing enough heat when needed than with cooling. About half of the annual comfortability concerns will be difficult to combat using passive heating techniques.
- Concept 1:
- Concept 2:
For each concept design tested, I tried to maximize the south facing walls in an effort to allow as much sunlight in as possible in the winter months. Both conceptual masses are about 32,000 SF of floor area. As you can see, Concept 1, the simpler, single building, resulted in a lower estimated energy cost per unit area. However, although Concept 2 is projected to cost more per unit area in its current orientation, the Architectural 2030 standard is actually lower than Concept 1 ($7.1 vs. $8.1 for Concept 1). Given that this is my goal, and that is the standard I plan on designing below, Concept 2 has potential to be a much more energy efficient space, so I plan on continuing with this configuration. I believe I can make more usable spaces, implement more passive designs, and inspire more hope in sustainable design with Concept 2 instead of 1. With different structures and walls, it would be easier to build some as green roofs and others with PV arrays. The solar analysis also supports the idea that the second concept will provide more usable sunlight. Using this cluster idea, the spaces can be merged together when appropriate, but also allows for some private spaces, which is ideal for the offices and conference areas.