Northwest Maritime Center

Miller Hull | Port Angeles, Washington

heating is provided in the ground floor spaces, while radiator heating serves the upper floor office areas. Heat recovery ventilation is provided for the retail space, and operable windows are relied upon for ventilation and natural cooling in the offices.

Daylighting

The Northwest Maritime Center (NWMC) utilizes natural daylighting as a sustainable strategy in several ways. The building orientation is designed to optimize natural lighting, with actively occupied spaces positioned against exterior walls. Additionally, the upper level spaces have abundant daylighting due to their orientation and use of continuous clerestories that run the length of the buildings. Ninety-four percent of regularly occupied spaces have outside views and daylighting levels that allow lights to be turned off during daylight hours.

To ensure even light distribution, meeting rooms and open offices have two running monitor bands, and daylightingcontrolsadjustartificiallightingasnatural light permits. The building design also includes clerestory windows that spill daylight throughout the spaces, and operable windows that facilitate natural ventilation. Daylight sensors are used throughout the building, adjusting lighting levels as necessary.

The building also employs a cost-saving measure by using daylight controls that turn lights off by default.

Overhangs and an automatic roller shade system helpcontrolglareandregulatetheamountofnatural light entering the space.

Success

The NWMC project design emphasizes energy efficiency while maintaining high levels of indoor air quality, comfort, and connection to the outdoors. The project uses natural resources, such as oceansource heat pumps, daylighting, and natural ventilation, to minimize its energy use and costs. The pier’s environment-friendly design demonstrates how building projects can minimize adverse effects on the natural environment. The end result provides indirect and direct community benefits, including reduced pollution, protection of natural habitat for fish and plants, and a gathering place to celebrate and learn about the area’s maritime culture.