10 Green Projects That Won American Institute of Architects Award
The American Institute of Architects' (AIA) Committee on the Environment (COTE) recently announced its top 10 winners for the green projects for the year 2016. A look at these projects aimed at raising the green quotient across the world.
Biosciences Research Building, Galway
The Biosciences Research Building (BRB) is a part of the first-phase development of a new North Campus Science Precinct at the National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG). With scenic beauty in all four directions, is one of the most energy-efficient research buildings across the globe. The land per square feet cost $413, while the average price in the area is $600-800 per sq ft. The structure is built with a “minimum energy” approach creating a superior working environment. The building blocks have been built in a “layered lab” concept with a high/low energy strategy, which places mechanically intensive spaces close to the open lab. Nearly 52 per cent of the building is lit by daylight with 100 per cent view of the surrounding. (AIA)
Center for Sustainable Landscapes, Pittsburgh
An education, research and administration facility, the Center for Sustainable Landscapes (CSL) generates all the energy it consumes on its own, apart from having a sanitary & storm water treatment facility in place. It is one of the few green buildings that has received four green certifications--the Living Building Challenge, LEED Platinum, WELL Building Platinum, and Four-Stars Sustainable SITES. (LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). The design of the structure reveals an interconnection between natural and man-made systems. Located in a cold region, the sun, the earth, and the wind are being to heat, cool and light the interiors. The structure operates on almost one third of the energy compared to a similar average building type and size. (Wikimedia)
Exploratorium at Pier 15, San Francisco
This science museum has an array of 1.3 MW photovoltaic solar panels on its 800-ft-long roof. Situated on a pier, the museum takes advantage of the natural light that falls in through the reflective glass façade. The structure uses the water of the bay for cooling and heating depending on the weather conditions. The LEED Platinum-certified project is made of materials that can withstand harsh maritime climates. (Flickr/Lenore Edman)
H-E-B at Mueller, Austin
An 83,587-sq-ft mixed-used structure in Austin, H-E-B at Meuller is certified LEED Gold and Austin Energy Green Building 4-Stars. It houses a retail store, a fresh food market, a pharmacy, a café, a community meeting room, outdoor gathering spaces and a fuel station. Various design processes have been put to practice to make this a sustainable structure. These include integrated chilled water HVAC and refrigeration systems, a propane refrigeration system, a 169-kW roof-top array of solar panels, an electric vehicle charging and reclaimed water use for landscape irrigation, toilets, and cooling tower. (AIA)
Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation, Berkley
The Jacobs Institute was formed with a mission to introduce sustainable and innovative measures and expand the role of design in engineering education. The institute\'s mission reflects in its architecture, too. Modelled with low-carbon living, the institute has learning spaces for students that support project-based learning, rapid prototyping and fabrication. The project was constructed on a 11,000-sq-ft underutilised landfill, creating a learning space of 24,035 gross square feet. It has been designed to exceed the AIA 2030 Commitment target, by using 90 per cent less energy than the national median set for university buildings. The integrated energy efficiency systems include thermally broken envelope, naturally ventilated, surplus hot and cold water used for space conditioning, and a cantilevered 74-kW solar PV array. (LMS Architects)
J Craig Venter Institute, San Diego
The laboratory was developed as a part of the West Coast research centre. The 44,607-sq-ft laboratory, which holds a LEED Platinum certification, is a four-storey structure where one floor is dedicated to the laboratory while the other three are used for office and administration. It also has a below-grade parking with a capacity of 112 cars. The project uses a wide array of materials that contribute to its sustainable and self-sufficient structure. The materials include high-performance glazing, Spanish cedar wood, and high-strength concrete. (ZGF Architects)
Rene Cazenave Apartments, San Francisco
A social housing project designed for the homeless, Rene Cazenave Apartments was constructed removing an old car parking space. The material used in the construction are low emitting material, coupled with energy efficient lighting and hydronic heating system. The rooftop of the housing has an array of PV solar panels and a smart irrigation system. (Tim Griffith)
The Dixon Water Foundation Josey Pavilion, Decatur
A multi-functional education and recreational centre, the Josey Pavilion uses livestock as a tool to restore the native shrublands and create healthier watersheds. The building tempers the climate and enhances visitors’ experience by shading the sun, blocking the wind, and providing protected views. The building is made of the Sinker Pine wood that does not require chemical treatment. The inner walls are made of unfinished concrete that add to the durability of the structure. (The Dixon Water Foundation/Casey Dunn)
University of Wyoming - Visual Arts Facility, Laramie
The Visual Arts Facility at the University of Wyoming is a structure that boasts one of the country\'s largest solar evacuation tubes on the rooftop. These tubes evacuate the heat and support the hydronic radiant floors, domestic, domestic hot water, and pretreat outside air for ventilation. (Hacker Architects)
West Branch of the Berkeley Public Library, Berkeley
The first certified Living Building with ZNE, the 9,500-sq-ft West Branch of this California library uses integrated strategies that minimise energy footprints. These include daylighting with 97 per cent of the library lit with daylight, natural ventilation and a high-performance building envelope. The library has a wind chimney that ensures cross-ventilation and also protects it from outside noise. It is installed with PV and thermal solar panels, while PV panels is for electricity generation, thermal panels are used for radiant heating and cooling and domestic hot water. (Harley Ellis Devereaux)
