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A COMMITMENT TO "GREEN"
ARCHITECTURE
Middlebury College
 The
ecology movement of the 1970s has become a mainstream way of
thinking in the 21st Century. It has become abundantly clear
that the human race must responsibly conserve the resources
of planet Earth. There has been an outcry for the development
and application of environmentally sound products and materials.
The architectural community has taken a solutions approach through
the design of "green" buildings. Simply stated, "green" architecture
is the practice of developing optimal energy efficiency in a
specific plan by way of the application of environmentally friendly
materials, products and systems. Nowhere is this philosophy
more endorsed, than in the Green Mountain State of Vermont.
With this principle in mind, Middlebury College in Middlebury,
Vermont, turned to Moser Pilon Nelson Architects to design the
Peterson Family Athletic Center.
"Our design goal was to economically achieve maximum
daylighting of interior spaces for user physical and psychological comfort, as
well as energy savings," explains Steve Nelson of Moser Pilon Nelson. "We have
a long-term commitment to 'green' architecture. Moser Pilon Nelson Architects
has been systematically reintroducing daylight into interior spaces, especially
circulation areas such as the Kenyon Arena lobby and conference center lounge.
We chose the Structures Unlimited translucent Skylight System because of their
outstanding quality, long track record, and excellent technical and staff
assistance to architects. We believe we have found the perfect ally for our
design efforts to daylight large athletic and public spaces
responsibly."
 The Peterson Family Athletic
Center is a comprehensive college and university indoor
athletic facility, complete with an indoor 50-meter, 10-lane
competition pool and natatorium, and a 2,300-seat hockey arena.
To compliment these amenities, the Center welcomes its guests
and spectators through a 10,000-square-foot lobby entrance pavilion.
This area, called the "wow space" by Nelson, also doubles as
a function room for up to 300 people. Just inside the lobby
is a 30' x 40' translucent skylight. The Structures Unlimited
System is comprised of pre-engineered rigid frame aluminum box
beams blended with Kalwall translucent panels to form a truly
unique total composite system capable of clearspans up to 100
feet.
 The HVAC
problems inherent with glass skyroofs are eliminated as the system controls
solar heat transmission. A "U" factor of 0.14 was specified with a solar heat
gain coefficient of 0.14 for Skylights and Roofs. "Daylighting achieved with
Kalwall products allows translucent daylight with a "U" factor of .14 instead
of the maximum .22 with insulated glass -- and no glare problem," said
Nelson.
The Middlebury College Natatorium boasts a 30' x 150'
Structures Unlimited translucent skylight. The system was pre-engineered and
factory preassembled to assure leak-proof, corrosion-resistant, trouble-free
performance. It is totally moisture and chemical resistant and is factory
prefinished. The diffused daylight properties are ideal for use in pool areas,
eliminating glare from the sun and harsh reflections off the water. Savings in
electric lighting, maintenance, heating and cooling costs are also
realized.
Structures Unlimited's latest advancement is the use of
thermally broken technology into all pool enclosure systems. Maximum energy
efficiency and the ultimate condensation control is achieved in these pool
enclosure systems. The thermal break is key to controlling condensation related
problems in a swimming pool or other wet space environments. The constant
change in exterior temperature throughout the day and season, combined with the
moisture-filled and chemically laden environment inside a pool area, cause
traditional materials to constantly sweat. The build-up of this moisture within
a structure results in endless maintenance and health issues. Structure's
Unlimited's technology eliminates condensation caused by the difference in
interior/exterior temperature. Maintenance, leaking and breakdowns in the
structure caused by moisture related problems are eliminated.
In the
Center's Kenyon Hockey Arena, bands of Kalwall curtainwall wrap the
upper walls for optimal daylighting. The diffuse light transmitting properties
of Kalwall allow natural daylight to effectively illuminate the space, while
eliminating harsh glare, hot spots and shadows often associated with
traditional glazing. This feature proves extremely important, especially when
designing a hockey arena. "Typically in the past, large athletic facilities
were considered 'black boxes' with only artificial light," explained Nelson.
"Kalwall's clearstory daylighting is a unique departure from this standard
design model used in many ice arenas years ago. We have discovered that these
large athletic buildings with significant areas of Kalwall develop an evening
glow making their exteriors psychologically warmer and more approachable. The
Peterson Family Athletic Center uses Kalwall in a calculated design to daylight
large interior spaces while also considering the elements of light quality,
shape and texture. The arena's masonry and metal panel exterior uses the sleek
semi-gloss bands of Kalwall as an exterior neutral linear design element, with
the Tuckerman square grid completing the essential texture."
With
Kalwall, the cost of electric lighting is significantly reduced. Even on cloudy
days, an even balance of usable natural light fills the interior. Kalwall
offers light transmission ranges from 2% to 74%. In this athletic center,
Kalwall delivers a light transmission of 15%.
Also within the walls of
the Peterson Family Athletic Center is a 2,000-square-foot meeting/study lounge
featuring a 30' x 30' Structures Unlimited pyramid skylight. According to
Nelson, both the lounge and entrance pavilion presented an immense design
challenge. "Both areas had to 'look into' interior spaces (arena, pool, lobby),
as well as out across expansive exteriors through clear glass walls," noted
Nelson. "Structures Unlimited's diffuse light quality is a good blending device
for spaces with a mix of direct daylighting and artificial
lighting."
Completing the interior design, the Peterson Center is lined
with light-painted wall board, split-faced 8" x 8" masonry columns, fabric
covered acoustical wall panels and white framed aluminum interior and exterior
glazing. "As interior architects, we believe Structures Unlimited makes
interior spaces lively and welcoming because of the ambient glow of daylight
and reflective shapes at night," added Nelson. "We use Structures Unlimited's
white interior shapes and surfaces as reflectors for indirect lighting, giving
interest to the nighttime interior ceilings."
"The entire school
population passes through the Peterson Family Athletic Center either as
competitors or spectators," says Nelson. "Middlebury College students and
faculty marvel at the size, views and quality of natural daylight offered by
the Center. The energy efficiency of Structures Unlimited was a great bonus for
the Peterson Family Athletic Center."
Peterson Family Athletic Center,
Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT
Architect: Moser Pilon Nelson |
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reserved. |
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