Thornton Tomasetti announced that the Acadia Gateway Center administrative and maintenance facility has received LEED Gold Certification. Fore Solutions, the green building consulting company acquired by Thornton Tomasetti in 2012, provided LEED consulting services for the project located in Trenton, Maine at the gateway to Acadia National Park, one of the most visited national parks in the United States.
Fore Solutions was hired by the mechanical engineer on this project, Allied Engineering in Portland Maine, to provide LEED consulting. In this role, Fore Solutions reviewed the energy model, tracked compliance with LEED throughout design and construction and reviewed and submitted LEED documentation to the Green Building Certification Institute.
The Acadia Gateway Center administrative and maintenance facility is the first phase of a multi-phased project to implement a Transportation Demand Management Plan for Acadia National Park in order to reduce automobile traffic on Mount Desert Island. Phase I of the project consists of a 22,000-square-foot center located on Route 3 in Trenton, Maine that will function first as a bus maintenance and storage facility for the seasonal Island Explorer bus system and as a summertime park-and-ride parking lot for people who want to ride the propane-powered buses onto Mount Desert Island.
The second phase will include a visitor center and intermodal facility for the Island Explorer bus service.
Key points:
- This $14.7-million facility was funded through a combination of federal and state sources, including $11.6 million from the Federal Transit Administration.
- The Acadia Gateway Center is anticipated to reduce more than 10 million vehicle miles per year with the Island Explorer buses. Local bus routes will stop at the park and ride on-site to connect building visitors and staff to the surrounding area. Preferred parking for fuel-efficient vehicles is being provided for employees and visitors.
- Water used to wash buses is collected, filtered and reused – reducing water demand by 88%. No irrigation will be used on-site and temporary irrigation will only be provided for one year.
- The project demonstrates a 38.3% improvement in the building performance rating compared to the baseline building performance in ASHRAE-90.1-2004. Energy efficiency measures include an improved thermal envelope, high-efficiency glazing, reduced interior lighting power density and high-efficiency HVAC systems.
- Solar collectors are being used on the project to pre-heat domestic water for the domestic hot water system. Roof materials with a high SRI (Solar Reflectance Index) value have been installed on the roof.
- Materials with recycled content and local materials were used in the project wherever possible, and 70% of construction waste was diverted from landfills.
- Low-emitting adhesives, sealants, paints, carpet and composite wood materials are being used in the project.
- Accessible temperature and lighting controls have been installed for building occupants. +
Related Stories
Museums | Jun 23, 2015
Moreau Kusunoki's 'art in the city' scheme wins Guggenheim Helsinki design competition
The firm’s design concept makes use of the museum’s site, turning it into a bustling, well-connected waterfront hub.
Architects | Jun 22, 2015
NCARB adopts alternative for certification of foreign architects
The change, effective July 1, 2016, will replace the current BEFA Program’s requirements, eliminating the committee dossier review and the need to document seven years of credentialed practice in a foreign country.
BIM and Information Technology | Jun 21, 2015
11 tips for mastering 3D printing in the AEC world
Early adopters provide first-hand advice on the trials and tribulations of marrying 3D printing with the science of building technology.
Events Facilities | Jun 19, 2015
4 ways convention centers are revamping for the 21st century
Today's convention centers require more flexible spaces, the ability to blend virtual and in-person events, and meaningful sustainability, writes Skanska's Tom Tingle.
Engineers | Jun 18, 2015
Architecture and engineering profit margins deliver third consecutive year of growth
Operating profits of AE firms have reach their highest level since 2009, according to a new report by PSMJ Resources.
Architects | Jun 17, 2015
Starchitects' napkin sketches raise thousands for San Diego’s AIAS chapter
Prominent architects who submitted a total of 23 napkin doodles were Zaha Hadid, Cesar Pelli, Robert Venturi, Massimiliano Fuksas, Thom Mayne, and Bjarke Ingels.
BIM and Information Technology | Jun 16, 2015
What’s next for 3D printing in design and construction?
The 3D printer industry keeps making strides in technology and affordability. Machines can now print with all sorts of powderized materials, from concrete to chocolate.
Office Buildings | Jun 12, 2015
Houston's energy sector keeps office construction humming
Colliers International projects continued expansion this year in its quarterly report on national office market.
Smart Buildings | Jun 11, 2015
Google launches company to improve city living
The search engine giant is yet again diversifying its products. Google has co-created a startup, called Sidewalk Labs, that will focus on “developing innovative technologies to improve cities.”
Office Buildings | Jun 11, 2015
Pop-up tree-office opens in London borough of Hackney
London's Hackney borough welcomed a new kind of workspace to Hoxton Square—the TreexOffice.
