June, 2013
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High-Profile: Facilities Development News Evolution of Design:
High-Performance Technology, Passive Design, and Biomimicry
by Suzanne Robinson Whether it’s increased awareness of climate change, the push toward energy independence, the classic bottom line, or a slew of other reasons, professionals in the world of buildings are re-evaluating our approach to designing, constructing, and operating buildings. Over the last several decades, as green deSuzanne Robinson sign has moved into the mainstream, the approach for a more sustainable design has taken two general paths, usually in parallel. First, there’s been a push to develop high performance technology: more efficient equipment, controls, new technology, and alternative energy sources. This is the basic “Can we make ‘it’ better?” For example, taking a boiler and working on the design, tweaking the components and reengineering it to move from 75% efficiency to 95% efficiency or even higher. It’s taken a “few” years, but the industry has shifted. Another example is the development of new technology. Ten years ago, most people didn’t know what LEDs were. Or, take the world of photovoltaics, which has seen a plethora of development ideas from increased efficiency and lower costs of classic PV panels to photovoltaic window film to building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV).
The push for better technology is essential but also has limitations. It is reliant on those who are willing to be on the cutting edge, or even the bleeding edge, to help move the technology to the mainstream. The stewards who take on the bleeding edge of technology are basically beta testing the latest and greatest. Sometimes it works great, and sometimes it doesn’t, but the lessons learned cycle back to develop more improved technology. Those on the cutting edge face the higher cost of new technology. Second, there’s been a back-to-basics awakening. It wasn’t that long ago when buildings had a certain shape to allow for lighting of spaces by daylighting, back before electrical lighting became prevalent. Buildings were limited on what floor plane depth they could have, resulting in “H” or “T” or “O” shaped buildings. In the last 10 years, passive design strategies, such as daylight harvesting and natural ventilation, have become more popular and mainstream. Instead of skipping straight to an engineering solution to address the building loads, design professionals are taking time early on to evaluate design decisions to reduce the design load engineered systems have to provide: working with nature and the climate and harnessing it instead of engineering against it. And now, we’re seeing the popularity of a new strategy to sustainable design. In an oversimplified way, it’s combining the high-performance technology and passive design approaches. Biomimicry is an
emerging discipline that looks to nature’s solutions to the same issues we face: energy, climate control, pollution, and much more. No reason to reinvent the wheel. It’s basically known as “the science of emulating nature’s best ideas to solve human problems.” A classic simple example of biomimicry is in the world of structural engineering. What engineers in Japan discovered and the song writer, Ani DiFranco popularized, is that “buildings and bridges are made to bend in the wind…what doesn’t bend breaks.” We should be emulating trees. Originally, buildings in seismic areas would be engineered to death – make them as rigid and solid as possible so they couldn’t possibly move. Since then, structural engineering design has shifted to incorporate base isolation devices and shock absorbers to have a
controlled movement of buildings. Another example that is emerging is the living machine, a self-contained wastewater treatment system that mimics the natural process of treating toxins through wetlands. Applying biomimicry to the world of buildings is relatively new. But as we continuously push the boundaries of the built world, it’s essential that we continuously try new approaches and work toward a mindset shift, looking not just at what others in our industry have done but also at what nature has done for new ideas. To get started, check out AskNature.org, which has a database of technological innovations and ideas inspired by nature. Suzanne Robinson, PE, LEED AP BD+C, is the director of sustainability at Vanderweil Engineers.
Cherrytree Secures Tax Credit
Historic Restoration Designed by DBVW
Pawtucket, R.I. - The Cherrytree Group, of Newton, Mass. recently secured a federal historic tax credit of nearly a half million dollars in connection with the restoration of a historical building in Pawtucket, R.I. The two and a half story brick clubhouse, the former ToKalon Club, is considered “an exceptional, monumental and well-preserved example of the Georgian Revival Style.” The 19,250sf building was renovated
to provide new office and lab space for Public Archaeology Lab, Inc. and was designed to preserve the historical integrity of the property. Rehabilitating involved restoring the exterior and important interior spaces, while introducing new mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection systems. Durkee, Brown, Viveiros & Werenfels Architects designed the restoration project. The total cost was $2,166,232.90; and the value of the tax credit was $433,246.58.
SAVE THE DATE Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2013, 6-11 pm Seaport Hotel, Boston
CELEBRATE THE BEST in building and design
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
THE PRISM AWARDS are open to builders, developers, project owners, architects, land planners, marketing/advertising firms, interior design firms, remodelers, and other professionals in the home building industry.
MASTER OF CEREMONIES
Tommy MacDonald Host of WGBH’S Emmy-nominated series, “Rough Cut – Woodworking with Tommy Mac”
CELEBRITY CHEFS
Paul Wahlberg ALMA NOVE
Jeremy Sewall ISLAND CREEK OYSTER BAR PHOTOS BY SHELLY HARRISON
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS OPPORTUNITY TO WIN A HIGHLY COVETED PRISM AWARD. Review the Call for Entry Categories today and prepare for photography. Full category descriptions and submittal details will be available soon. Entries will be due into BRAGB on or before July 15, 2013. Visit www.bragb.org to learn more.
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Dave Macklin Band A portion of all PRISM Awards Gala ticket sales will be donated to Housing Families Inc. in memory of Steve Twombly.