Design philosophies:
The payback from environmental enhancements to the building were considered across a 10-15 year period, rather than the more typical 5 year period. This allowed for more unique design strategies.
The building was intended, through flexible and modular design, to be just as useful to the college's future needs as well as its current needs. This means less future construction, less future waste, and less future environmental impact.
In addition to utilizing state-of-the-art technologies, the design minimizes maintenance and repair costs. If a surface doesn't need to be repainted or a tree fertilized, considerably less pollution is put into the environment.
Design Features
Views to the surrounding environs were enhanced by making them a focal point of the design. The master plan calls for open corners to the quads, and this was respected. Daylight penetrates the vast majority of spaces
Location near largest residential structures encourages pedestrian campus
Ample bicycle racks with locations for additional future ones
The roof design combines substantial insulation with continuous air/vapor system and ventilated "cold roof" for energy efficiency and durability
Slate roof provides reduced maintenance, as compared with any other roof type. Additionally, slate is a local material, reducing transportation impact
Recycled plastic lumber used on the flat roof
Exterior structural wall made of pre-cast concrete so that external walls could be built locally, reducing transportation costs and eliminating the need for temperary enclosure and heating
Exterior shell walls of stone provide near-zero maintenance and a long life span
Six inch air/insulation space between shell and structural exterior walls provides good insulation and effective drainage. A carefully detailed air barrier provides a long lasting (designed to last at least 100 years) and efficient wall structure
Insulation and mortar screen made from recycled materials
Triple glazing in thermally broken windows, with R-value of 6-8, provide 2-3 times the insulating value of typical thermal windows. Combination of effective frame and high R-level eliminates condensation tendency while eliminating standard perimeter (below window) heating in 90% of the building which reduces capital costs, operational costs and maximizes space at interior
Loading docks are made of recycled materials
Insulation containing CFCs was designed out of the building and HCFC's were minimized
Re-use of "contaminated" air as make-up air. This strategy allows the use of air from clean spaces like the Great Hall to be used in labs that have larger fresh air demands
Glycol heat exchangers in laboratory venting reduces substantial heating and cooling losses
Process cooling system for the laboratories in place of once-through water cooling was provided in the labs
Size of the building mechanical equipment was reduced by about 50% from what a run-of-the-mill design process would provide
Classroom spaces and work spaces built "generically" so their uses can adapt to the school's changing needs with minimal or no reconfiguration
Linoleum floors used instead of vinyl floors, and some flooring was kept as sealed concrete
Finished woodwork grown and harvested sustainably through local Vermont Family Forests program (Smart Wood certified)
Used natural cork display boards
Recycling bins designed for easy access and aesthetics
Used porous paving where appropriate
Most construction waste was recycled
All excavated rock was crushed and re-used on site
Plants and landscaping were chosen to minimize care and chemical application
Solar-powered lights illuminate the Bicentennial Hall parking lot
List compiled by Josh Herzig-Marx '99 through conversations with Dan Arons, John Stetson, John Woodbury, and Jim Larrabee.
McCardell Bicentennial Hall Article