Ocotillo Hall Estrella Mountain Community College
Additional Info
Award Winner : Accelerated Construction Technologies
Architectural Excellence : Designed around a rotunda theme on existing campus. Plan was to create areas in & outside the building for “serendipitous learning opportunities” between & among students and teachers. This was accomplished by providing a variety of spaces to facilitate & promote chance learning – seating areas, parlors, benches, gardens, & in the learning studios. Corridors feature expanded gathering areas with windows to the world and smaller courtyards. The outdoor rotunda acts as the organizing element for the classroom wings, a space for individual study, and for student – faculty dialogue. Custom steel canopies identify the building entry point, create a sense of arrival, connect building wings, &, provide shade. A tree-lined promenade provides shade and canopied windows reduce glare, yet allow light in. A water wall draws you into the courtyard via a pool and a flowing stream. The garden, a peaceful and serene place, adds energy, sound, & movement. A vibrant palette creates a stimulating space.
Cost Energy Effectiveness : Arizona’s extreme summers require energy efficiency. All our facilities are steel with a 6” wall stud instead of a 4” stud gaining R-value. The EFIS exterior uses 1” insulation board for a net R-value of 25 for the wall system. Roof systems employ R30+ batt insulation & rigid foam insulation for increased R-value & sound control. Our electrical designs are 3-phase for minimum energy use. The energy-efficiency package includes 1” annealed, SOLEX dual glazing, tinted windows. Close tolerances minimize air infiltration into buildings. Decorative metal screen panels add height, color, & texture have specialty support mechanisms that slide into structural columns in the roof structure. The panels serve multiple purposes: decorative, screening & textural. Window shade devices cantilever from structural steel of walls & are oriented to minimize solar impact. Acted as general contractor for all infrastructure & site improvements, including utility & permit coordination.
Design Firm Name : Orcutt Winslow Partnership
Occupied Date : 1/15/2006
Production Start Date : 9/15/2005
Project Location City : Avondale
Project Location State Name : AZ
Technical Innovation : Identical to traditional construction, this permanent high public use community college classroom facility features slab-on-grade foundation with EIFS, split face masonry block, steel canopies, & water features. The steel construction provides added strength and durability for many years of commercial high public use. All special systems, including such as satellite and computer connections, are coordinated with the client and integrated into the building’s design. Data and electrical conduits are hidden in the steel structure connecting the buildings.
The existing campus buildings are on a 2 pipe chiller system to which these buildings were connected allowing them to use their central plant heating and cooling tower for these buildings, saving utility costs.
Coordinated with state of the art flex space provider, Herman Miller.
Total Square Feet : 33500
Category : Permanent: Education: over 10,000 sq. ft.