flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

Nauset Construction completing sustainable dorm for Brooks School

Nauset Construction completing sustainable dorm for Brooks School

Student input on green elements provides learning experience.


By Posted by Tim Gregorski, Senior Editor | June 8, 2012

As the school year draws to a close, Nauset Construction will be putting the final touches on the newly constructed, environmentally-friendly 22-bedroom dormitory for Brooks School in North Andover, an independent college preparatory boarding and day school for grades 9-12.
In addition to providing additional housing, the $3.3 million project created a learning opportunity for the students, whose ideas for sustainability were incorporated into the project’s design.

Recently named Chace House in honor of a long time trustee, the dorm was designed with input from the Brooks Institute for Sustainability, a student summer program focused on reducing the school’s environmental impact. Chace House will incorporate a number of elements vital to reducing operating and maintenance costs, including a heating system with a natural gas-fired burner that is 97.5% efficient; a high-efficiency building envelope with superior insulation to prevent energy loss; individual room thermostats with an automated system that can be programmed remotely; energy management systems with occupancy sensors; a cupola that releases warm air on hot days; solar lighting tubes in hallways that create natural day lighting; low-flow water facilities (including composting toilets) to reduce sewage bills; and drought tolerant native exterior plantings and water-efficient landscaping.

The facility will also feature high efficiency double-paned windows, a zinc roof (which lasts 80-100 years and requires no maintenance), zinc and clapboard siding, and a combination of hardwood, carpet and vinyl-tile flooring materials making use of recycled products where possible. Extra-thick insulation and sound-proof walls will also be built into each room to reduce noise. In addition to the sustainable features, the project will also include a 600-square-foot common area big enough for all building residents to gather; an outdoor seating area for students to collaborate with dorm faculty; a rear patio for cookouts and gatherings; and a small lounge/study area for after-hours homework help. +

Related Stories

| Apr 4, 2012

San Antonio animal hospital earns LEED Platinum certification

Middleman Construction Company builds the city?s first commercial building to earn certification.

| Apr 4, 2012

Hason joins RNL’s as MENA regional director

Hason specializes in planning and urban design, hospitality, office, corporate headquarters and transportation structures, as well as, higher education and museum facilities.

| Apr 3, 2012

Product Solutions

Two new PV systems; a lighter shelf; and fire alarm/emergency communication system.

| Apr 3, 2012

AIA: Commercial Flooring

Laying the foundation for good design.

| Apr 3, 2012

Blaine Brownell on innovative materials applications in architecture

Brownell, who was named a BD+C 40 Under 40 in 2006, provides insight regarding emerging material trends and the creative implementation of materials.

| Apr 3, 2012

AGC Glass to reopen shuttered plant

Shuttered since 2008, the plant produces clear and tinted float glass serving architectural glass markets.

| Apr 3, 2012

Luxury hotel 'groundscraper' planned in abandoned quarry

Would you spend $300 a night to sleep underground? You might, once you see the designs for China's latest hotel project.

| Apr 3, 2012

SSOE acquires MEP Firm CRS Engineering & Design Consultants

The acquisition will expand SSOE’s Southeastern U.S. presence, broaden CRS’s reach to international markets, and provide both firms’ clients access to enhanced services and resources.

| Apr 3, 2012

Suffolk completes phase one of Baystate Medical Center expansion

Construction management firm awarded emergency department project for successful build of $296 million MassMutual Wing and Davis Family Heart and Vascular Center.

| Apr 3, 2012

Meyer receives RCMA's Martin A. Davis Industry Leadership Award

The Martin A. Davis Industry Leadership Award is presented annually to an individual, selected by his or her peers, who has exemplified outstanding service and made significant contributions to the roof coatings industry.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category


Resiliency

Austin area evacuation center will double as events venue

A new 45,000 sf FEMA-operated evacuation shelter in the Greater Austin metropolitan area will begin construction this fall. The center will be available to house people in the event of a disaster such as a major hurricane and double as an events venue when not needed for emergency shelter.



halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021