Penn State Bookstore
Additional Info
Award Winner : ModSpace
Architectural Excellence : PSU needed a temporary bookstore while its facility was closed for a two-year renovation. The requirements included a short schedule and an adjacent site. A renovated 28-unit complex with 14 floors back to back was installed to fit the unique location. Each module has a clear span mono-truss that when connected with the unit behind it, creates a larger transverse ridge, giving the operator Barnes & Noble flexibility in design for fixtures and customer flow. The drop ceilings were removed to expose the open steel web trusses to create an 11-foot ceiling. The ceiling, ductwork and trusses were painted black to add to the effect. The architect incorporated a trendy warehouse design with lighting hanging from the ceiling. The building set on a below-grade foundation was strategically placed to take advantage of the natural grade. At the entrance, the foundation and slab bridged out to give the appearance of an at-grade set.
Cost Energy Effectiveness : The repurposed buildings proved to be the most cost effective solution for PSU. While modifications were required, overall building costs were lower and the new bookstore was ready on time so Barnes & Noble could open for business and start generating revenue. Additional savings were realized by the two-hour fire separation wall that eliminated the need for a complete sprinkler system. Placement of the fire wall fit well with both spaces, making the total solution appear natural. Higher R-value of the walls, ceiling and floor, and upgraded windows improved energy efficiency. Most important, by setting the building on campus in an unused space adjacent to the existing bookstore, PSU and Barnes & Noble were able to keep operations on track when students arrived for the new school year.
Design Firm Name : Hoffman Architecture
Occupied Date : 7/5/2013
Production Start Date : 5/17/2013
Project Location City : University Park
Project Location State Name : PA
Technical Innovation : Repurposing the proposed building presented challenges. They were coded as Business Occupancy rather than Mercantile. Specific requirements had to be incorporated to change the occupancy and meet a 2009 IBC/IECC code. To meet the code within the tight timeframe, new, more efficient 5-ton HVACs were installed. The flooring was upgraded to 100-125 lbs. psf to support the building use and immense weight of the books. New interior walls added to R-values, along with the DIG windows acting to make the space feel like new. The building was designed as two spaces to support two distinctly different functions. The bookstore and administrative offices were positioned in an 11,520 sq. ft. clear span section, allowing the open feel of a bookstore. The storage and product operations were designed as a separate, but connected 8,640 sq. ft. area. While the building was made more energy efficient, the fairly open design assisted in the repurposing to meet a 49-day schedule.
Total Square Feet : 20160