CAMPUS PERSPECTIVES
The Changing Face of Unity’s Campus
Unity House (2008) One of the most high profile building projects in the history of Unity College, Unity House is an experimental solar design that produces more energy than it consumes. It was designed through collaboration between Bensonwood Homes of New Hampshire and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology School of Architecture. Built by Bensonwood in their Walpole, New Hampshire facility, the 2,000 square foot pre-fabricated home was disassembled and transported to its current site on the Unity campus. Unity House influenced three designs that are being marketed nationally by Bensonwood.
Health and Wellness Center (2006) The 1,900 square foot Health and Wellness Center was built to energy efficient standards with exceptional insulation and radiant heat. It has a large conference area that doubles as an exercise room, examination rooms, and offices.
Maplewood (2006) At 6,800 square feet, this single floor, 27 bed residence hall is energy efficient with radiant heating. Its location between Cianchette suite style residencesand the future location of SonnenHaus Village created a residential corridor on the south side of campus.
ON THE HORIZON IN 2011 TerraHaus Ready for occupancy during the fall semester of the 2011-12 academic year, the ten bed TerraHaus will serve as Unity’s most energy efficient building project to date. Based on the Passive House concept, the highest energy performance standards for building, TerraHaus will serve as a first for college and university campuses. The advanced design will further solidify Unity’s growing national reputation as a leader in campus sustainability, with student curricular and co-curricular programs taking place throughout the year. The project was significantly funded by the Kendeda Fund.
Thomashow Science Center (to be officially named by the fall semester) Named in honor of Mitch and Cindy Thomashow (2006-2011), the 2,500 square foot science center is expected to be completed by the beginning of the 2011-12 academic year. Constructed adjacent to Koons Hall with an enclosed walkway connecting the two buildings, the science center will have two labs, prep labs, and faculty offices. The center will have high performance energy and heating. The project was partially funded by individual and corporate donors.
Wood Pellet Boiler, Dorothy Webb Quimby Library (2011) The new wood pellet boiler installed in the Dorothy Webb Quimby Library during the spring semester replaces an antiquated oil fired boiler. The highly efficient, new boiler will save money while also helping the College reduce its carbon emissions. The project was completely funded through Efficiency Maine and a private foundation. UNITY SPRING 2011 |
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