Tufts University Student Information Center
Additional Info
Award Winner : Anderson Anderson Architecture
Architectural Excellence : While maintaining industry-standard module proportions dictated by transportation law and factory constraints, this building revolutionizes design and construction quality in terms of ceiling height, acoustics, indoor thermal comfort, indoor air quality, natural light and ventilation, low carbon footprint, healthy and sustainable materials and equipment, and significantly reduced energy use. Surfaces, materials and colors throughout the space are selected not only for health, sustainability, functionality and hygienic ease of maintenance, but also to provide vibrancy, fun and creative inspiration for the building’s occupants. Portions of the building are repurposed in modified form from a former child care center, and new modules were designed and manufactured to coordinate and expand the structure for an entirely new use, site, and client. The design process was entirely conducted in BIM 3-D computer modeling, included environmental modeling simulations to improve user comfort.
Cost Energy Effectiveness : The high-efficiency Bard heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) mechanical systems use sensors and electronic controls to minimize energy use while optimizing temperature and fresh outside air as the number of people and activity increase in a room. These carbon dioxide monitors and other occupancy sensors “learn” patterns of activity and optimize air conditioning settings to conserve energy and maintain comfortable levels appropriate to daily cycles of use. Roof, wall and floor assemblies use high recycled content insulation with higher than code R-values. Doors, windows and skylights are all energy-efficient units with solar shading and operable screens to maximize wanted daylight and screen unwanted solar gain in summer. Operable windows are placed for maximum cross ventilation, and HVAC system includes fresh air ventilation mode with low energy draw.Generous windows and solar tube skylights provide daylight in all rooms. Exterior sun shades cut solar heat gain in summer.
Design Firm Name : Anderson Anderson Architecture
Occupied Date : 7/1/2011
Production Start Date : 1/1/2011
Project Location City : Medford
Project Location State Name : MA
Technical Innovation : Sustainable materials and construction systems are employed throughout the building. Wherever possible, high-recycled content materials are used, including gypsum wallboard, cabinet systems, acoustical ceiling tile, and linoleum floor tile; and carpet tile made from recycled plastics and designed for return to its factory for 100% future recycling. Wood structural and finish components are either engineered composite wood from rapidly renewable sources, or Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified products grown in sustainable forests. Microstrand Wheat Board, a material that contains no toxins and is made from agricultural waste products left over from the harvesting of edible grains is used as a wall-surfacing panel in all areas not requiring special fire-resistance paneling. Finally, factory-built modular, re-locatable construction, with its inherently low waste and reduced embodied energy, is itself a major contribution to sustainable building practice.
Total Square Feet : 7200
Category : Relocatable: Education: 2,000 - 10,000 sq. ft.