The recently completed Prairie Activity and Recreation Center (PARC) in Plainfield, Ill., is projected to be the first building of its kind to achieve the Passive House Institute US PHIUS+ Source Zero certification.
Designed as a net zero facility, the two-story, 37,000-sf building features a 4,000-sf fitness center and studio with a full-size basketball court, an elevated 10-lap walking track, a 1,600-sf multi-purpose room for classes and special events, and a preschool suite. The preschool suite includes a dedicated reception area and entrance and four classrooms with high windows and “look nooks” (low picture windows that connect the children to the natural surroundings outside).
The PARC is 65% more efficient than a conventional commercial building of the same size in a similar climate. It includes a 28,600-sf solar array and a highly insulating building envelope. A Building Performance monitor at the front entry will share building energy use and solar energy production information with visitors.
Exterior building features include LED site lighting, rain gardens, native landscaping, parking for 110 vehicles, a recreation patio for the preschool, and walking trails. The PARC is the newest addition to the Bott Park complex, which includes a playground, ball fields, and soccer fields.
Related Stories
| Aug 15, 2016
Top 30 Sports Facility Engineering Firms
AECOM, Thornton Tomasetti, and ME Engineers top Building Design+Construction’s annual ranking of the nation’s largest sports facility sector engineering and E/A firms, as reported in the 2016 Giants 300 Report.
| Aug 15, 2016
Top 60 Sports Facility Construction Firms
Mortenson Construction, AECOM, and Turner Construction Co. top Building Design+Construction’s annual ranking of the nation’s largest sports facility sector construction and construction management firms, as reported in the 2016 Giants 300 Report.
| Aug 15, 2016
Top 50 Sports Facility Architecture Firms
Populous, HKS, and HOK top Building Design+Construction’s annual ranking of the nation’s largest sports facility sector architecture and A/E firms, as reported in the 2016 Giants 300 Report.
High-rise Construction | Aug 1, 2016
Rising to the occasion: Dubai shows some pictures of proposed 500-step structure
Still in the planning stages, this building would serve tourists and power climbers alike.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Jul 31, 2016
Shanghai’s latest tourist attraction: an outside, rail-less walkway around one of its tallest skyscrapers
For less than $60, you can now get a bird’s-eye (or window-washer’s) view of the cityscape.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Jul 20, 2016
San Diego’s waterfront redevelopment would go beyond a mere ‘project’
Its developers envision a thriving business, education, and entertainment district, highlighted by a huge observation tower and aquarium.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Jul 20, 2016
Chicago Cubs unveil plans for premier fan club underneath box seats at Wrigley Field
As part of the baseball team’s larger stadium renovation project, the club will offer exclusive food, drinks, and seating.
Events Facilities | Jul 19, 2016
Houston architect offers novel idea for Astrodome renovation
Current plans for the Astrodome’s renovation turn the site into an indoor park and events space, but a Houston architect is questioning if that is the best use of the space
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Jul 18, 2016
Turner and AECOM will build the Los Angeles Rams’ new multi-billion dollar stadium project
The 70,000-seat stadium will be ready by the 2019 NFL season. The surrounding mixed-use development includes space for retail, hotels, and public parks.
Building Tech | Jul 14, 2016
Delegates attending political conventions shouldn’t need to ask ‘Can you hear me now?’
Each venue is equipped with DAS technology that extends the building’s wireless coverage.