Initial Sketches, Floor-Plans, and Building Mechanics

Completed by Architecture Portfolio Students of Montgomery High School Under the Direction of Mr. Tim Leicht

Carly Bowman

Aaron Goldstein

Amanda Tilles

Contact: montyarchportfolio@gmail.com

As we first began this project, we were faced with a task that left room for creativity. We were given a few important guidelines: The space must include a gym, office space, and other spaces that would contribute to the community in a positive manner. All of this must be contained in a building that was approximately 40,000 square feet and “green” meaning that it would have to work with the environment, not against it. Initially, we brainstormed a list of what we wanted to include: gym, auditorium, fitness area, childcare, reception space, restrooms, storage, offices, and classrooms. From this list we developed rough sketches of potential floor plans; these sketches can be seen to the right and on the following page. The sketch on the top right of this page was completed during an initial brainstorming session of the group, with the aid of a tablet and Autodesk Sketchbook. The remaining sketches were drawn by hand with pencil on graph paper.

While conceived as rough ideas, these floor plans became the foundation from which our design would develop. The resemblance between these initial plans and the final product is clearly evident in the final floor plans. As our design took shape, we were able to use Revit to develop a building that resembled our sketches and had the appropriate dimensions. This building model was then scaled down and printed as a template. With this template, as well as similar templates for various parking components, we were able to discuss and decide how the building should be oriented on the site, and where parking should be placed. A discussion with Mr. High, a Civil Engineer from Bohler Engineering, helped us to come to the conclusion that the building should be oriented facing the road and parking should be designed to accommodate the flow of people being dropped off and picked up. This sketch can be seen below.

The following chart summarizes how our building meets the grading criteria.

Construction and Operation of Buildings:

Various Mechanical Rooms: In order to most effectively transport water across the building, we have created sub-mechanical rooms adjacent to major bathrooms throughout the space. This will allow hot water to be heated closer to its point of use. In addition to mechanical rooms, there is also an MDF (main distribution frame) room and an IDF (independent distribution frame) room to centralize networking equipment.

Energy Generation:

Image of Solar Array

Solar: A solar array will be placed towards the north end of the lot behind the building facing south for optimum efficiency. It will span most of the lot and the space behind the building. We have allocated a plot of land approximately 300 ft by 300 ft for this feature. The solar panels will be based on the ground to allow for easier maintenance. A system of this size will help to greatly offset the operating costs of the building Note: Consulted Mr. Robert Austin, Director of Building and Grounds for Montgomery Township Schools

Diagram of Water Furnace Vertical Loop System

Geothermal: In addition to a solar array, this building will also run on geothermal energy. This means that a loop system will be used to harness energy from the ground to power the building. WaterFurnace creates high-efficiency geothermal systems that can deliver up to five dollars of energy for every dollar of electrical energy used. While it can be argued that initially, installing a geothermal system is an additional cost, this system becomes the best option once its long life span and payback are considered. Note: Consulted Mr. Robert Austin, Director of Building and Grounds for Montgomery Township Schools

Energy Conservation:

Carbon Dioxide Sensor

Carbon Dioxide Sensors in Rooms: Each room will be equipped with a carbon dioxide sensor which will detect human presence in the room. These sensors work with the HVAC system and dispense fresh air into the room as necessary according to human presence.

Motion Sensor

Motion Sensor Lighting: By installing lighting that is motion sensitive, we ensure that lights are not left on throughout the night or when people are not in the building. This will cut energy costs by reducing waste.

Recycled Insulation

Recycled Insulation: Using recycled insulation will help our building to be eco-friendly. In addition, the use of insulation will help to reduce both heating and cooling costs

Energy Star Rated Fixtures and Appliances: Energy Star rated fixtures and appliances are known for the environmentally friendly rating. By using this as our standard, we can ensure that any fixture (i.e. toilet, sink, shower head, etc.) that we place in the building is low flow, therefore reducing our overall water and energy usage.

Health Issues:

Diagram of Biowall

Biowall: A biowall will be placed on the dividing wall between the gym and the gym lobby. Aside from being a visual feature, this will serve as a natural air filter and help to reduce the presence of man-made chemicals in the air. It is strategically placed in the gym as we anticipate that this area will be highly trafficked and accumulate the most stench, thus needing the most filtration to ensure the comfort of those who spend time there. Note: As per discussion with Tom McGrew, Senior Engineering Student at Drexel University

Air quality: Both the biowall and WaterFurnace geothermal system are designed to filter the air as they work therefore reducing allergens. In addition, the paint and finishes (such as adhesives) throughout the building will be low in VOCs. Prior to building use, the building will be filtered so that there is no remaining off-gassing from any of the products used.

Mold: The Faswall bricks that will be used to construct the building (see below) are created in such a manner that they are inhospitable to mold.

Dyson Hand Dryer

Spread of Bacteria: Dyson hand dryers have been placed in all bathrooms to eliminate the spread of bacteria. These hand dryers are known for their extremely high disinfection rates when used correctly.

Defibrillator

Defibrillators: Defibrillators have been placed around the building according to local regulations

Carbon Monoxide Detector

Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Both will be placed around the building to insure optimum safety for its inhabitants.

Fire Protection: The Faswall blocks are built to resist fire and prolong its entry into a space for approximately four hours. This additional protection will allow time for emergency vehicles to respond to the scene in case of a fire.

Interior Sprinklers: Sprinklers will be placed in the ceilings throughout the building to assist in putting out any fires.

ADA Accessibility: The entire building is ADA accessible. Such features as elevators, ramps, lifts, grab bars shower seats, hallway clearance, and accessible Dyson hand dryers can be noted.

Emergency Response to Situation: The elevators are situated in such a way that they can carry stretchers easily if necessary. This will allow for appropriate emergency response to any incidents on the second floor.

Climate Issues:

Snow: Roofs are slopped in such a way that snow can slide off of them instead of creating additional weight. Parking lot design allows for easy snow plow access.

Air Conditioning/Heating: The additional insulation will provide for more effective heating and cooling.

Humidity: Faswall bricks are created in such a way that they regulate interior and exterior humidity.

Sun: Sun shades on the south side of the building will help to prevent interior glare due to the amount of glass on the building. The building is also situated so that the gym, the area with the most glass, is on the east side of the building. Considering this, there may be a slight glare in the morning, but the sun position in the afternoon and the evening will prevent glare from occurring throughout the entire day.

Water and Wastewater Management:

Diagram of Sample Rain Tank System

Rain Tank: A rain tank will be used to collect rainwater from the roofs of the building and store it in a tank underground. The water will undergo treatment and then it will be used to wash hands and flush toilets.

Diagram of Rain Garden

Rain Garden: Due to the thin, silt-like nature of the soil, a Rain Garden will be placed in the south-east end of the lot to allow for slower return of water back to the natural environment. It will reduce the number of pollutants returning to the ground by approximately 30%. This will also add visual interest to the front of the site which is most visible to those passing by.

Diagram of Bioswale

Bioswales: Bioswales will be placed in the middle island of the parking lot to provide a reservoir for additional water in the event of a heavy rain.

Diagram of Waterless Urinal

Waterless Urinals: All urinals in the building will be waterless to help reduce water use. These urinals are estimated to save 40,000 gallons of water annually.

Dual Flush Toilet: Dual flush toilets will be installed throughout the building to help limit water use. This toilets comply with the LEED standards and uses different amounts of water based on whether solid or liquid waste is being disposed of.

Moen Shower Head

Moen Eco-Friendly Shower Heads: Shower heads are ADA complaint and have a 1.5 gallon per minute maximum (the EPA Watersource has a 2.0 gpm standard). Low flow fixtures such as this reduce water use as well as energy consumption because less energy is needed to heat hot water emitted from these fixtures.

Porous Pavement

Porous Pavement: A combination of different porous pavements will be used throughout the parking lot and entry ways to allow for further water drainage.

Material Choice and Selection:

Insulation: All insulation will be made of recycled materials so that excessive amounts of new waste are not created.

Flooring: Recycled wood flooring made out of scraps from furniture production will be installed throughout the building. Rubber flooring tiles will be used in the cardio room, childcare area, mechanical rooms, and storage areas. This will prevent wear and tear on bamboo and since the flooring will be in tiles, one tile can be replaced without replacing the whole floor.

Paint: All paints in the building will have low VOC emissions.

Countertops: The countertops in the building will be made of IceStone recycled glass. It is the safest, most durable sustainable surface. IceStone is made using renewable energy in a green, zero-waste facility.

Diagram of Faswall Construction

Walls: Faswall blocks will be used to construct the exterior of the building. They are sustainable concrete blocks made out of 85% mineralized recycled wood chips, and 15% Portland cement and fly ash. The blocks have a layer of insulation inside which is also made out of recycled wood chips. The composition of the block works to regulate humidity inside the building as well as eliminate any mold or moisture build up within the wall. The included insulation contributes to lower temperature swings thus resulting in lower heating and cooling costs. Additionally, the walls are sound proof and have a four hour fire rating. Exterior finishes can easily be applied to the blocks.

Glass: Kalwall translucent systems will be used for the majority of the “glass” in the building. Due to the large amounts of glass, this is the best option to allow natural daylight without creating a glare inside of the building that is uncomfortable for its inhabitants. Clear glass will be used in some sections to give the inside of the building pure daylight as well. This material also has a high R value, meaning that it will work better than traditional glass to retain heat and air conditioning.

Roofing: The roof will be made of a light material so as to deter unnecessary heat from the building

Lighting: LED lighting will be used in the gym and auditorium. These lights are longer lasting to prevent maintenance and lower with the use of a switch should maintenance be necessary. In the lobby to the auditorium and the gym, and in the gym itself, the lights will run on daylight sensors to insure that natural light is used to its full capacity.

The following details our day-by-day progression throughout this project: Our class is 84 minutes blocks every other day Timeline: 11/14: All: Worked on overall building concept

Amanda/Aaron: Very rough interior view possibilities Carly: General 1st floor plan and exterior sketch 11/16: All: Focused on general building concept, began deciding how to place building Aaron: General 2nd floor sketch 11/18: All: Worked on first floor, created auditorium, gym and parking lots 11/22: All: Worked on floor plan, added elevators and stairs, worked on second floor, angled seats of auditorium 11/28: All: Finalized floor plan for project, checked space efficiency, worked on sq footage requirements, began

considering roof 11/30: All: Finished basic floor plans, worked on roof, placed doors, printed draft of project 12/02: All: Presented initial design to Mr. Leicht for first review, began making corrections on tracing paper 12/06: All: Visit MPAC to get idea of QPAC size, continued making corrections on tracing paper, adjusted

elevations, preliminary research on energy generations – eliminated idea of turbines 12/08: All: Met with Mr. High, Civil Engineer from Bowler Engineering to discuss exterior of site Suggestions: Consider taking out islands, circle driveway for drop off, overhang for drop off, see parking

sketch, handicap spaces in front, shopping center: 1 parking spot for 200-250 sq ft, office building: 1 parking spot for 300 sq ft, check zoning regulations, impa website, treat parking lot run-off (NJ reg), consider flood scenarios, detention basin, design basing for 8-81/2” of rain – regular amounts are about 5”, driveway around back – dumpster/waste disposal, multiply 5” by roof and asphalt area to figure out volume of basin, water!, solar field – off ground for maintenance, available sewer?, limitations on septic, where does drinking water come from?, email town, borough engineer – sewer? Water? Natural gas?, geothermal, parking lot lighting – straight rows for easy walking, no sidewalk around exterior parking, 2% of parking spots should be handicap, 50% of entrances must be ADA, international building code for egress requirements, 20’ x 20’ enclosed dumpster area

12/12: Aaron/Carly: Work on fixing interior elements of the building, decided to set up a central file so that all could

work at once; set up local files but need to wait for Amanda to do hers Amanda: ABSENT 12/14: All: Met as a group to asses situation, delegated tasks, created group email account:

montyarchportfolio@gmail.com Amanda: Contact the town, research geothermal, solar, and water systems Aaron: Complete the site plan Carly: Update interior of the building 12/16: Amanda: Research geothermal Aaron: Begin parking lot Carly: Begin bathrooms All: Meet with Mr. Leicht to asses project status

12/20: Amanda/Carly: Bathrooms throughout building Aaron: Parking lot 12/22: Amanda/Carly: Bathrooms throughout building Aaron: Exterior of building: parking lot 01/03: Amanda/Carly: Bathrooms throughout building, locker rooms and dressing rooms Aaron: Exterior of building 01/05: Amanda/Carly: Worked on checklist, visit MPAC to begin developing lighting ideas Aaron: ABSENT 01/09: Amanda: Continued working on interior: focus on childcare facility and cardio room Aaron: Continued work on exterior Carly: Research LEED green requirements All: Met with first year architecture student Alex Khlor from Philadelphia University 01/11: Amanda: Touch up interior rooms

Aaron: Continue working on exterior, handicap parking, bicycle racks Carly: General research to prepare for Mr. Austin’s presentation 01/13: All: Meet with Mr. Austin to discuss geothermal systems 01/16: No School – Martin Luther King Jr. Day 01/18: All: Meet with Mr. Brooks to talk about lighting for auditorium and gymnasium; complete adjusted timeline 01/20: Amanda: Water fountains, Vending machines, fire extinguishers, defibrillators, exit signs, smoke alarms

Aaron: Fix parking islands, driveway at back of building with dumpsters Carly: Entry to middle building, edit elevators (or find new ones) 01/24: All: Guest Speaker Tim McGrew, senior studying Civil Engineering at Drexel University. Discussion on

different water and wastewater management techniques 01/26: Amanda: Finalize Café and Café Kitchen

Aaron: Review exterior parking and details around the building, check that all exterior doors exit to ground level, playground Carly: Finalize stair wells, review ADA accessibility, Confirm all rooms are tagged, Check room tags to allow visibility

01/30: Amanda/Aaron: Lighting booth (include curtain wall, etc.) Carly: Research 02/01: Amanda/Aaron: Office Space Carly: Research 02/03: Amanda: ABSENT Aaron: Site adjustments Carly: Research 02/07: Amanda: Finishes office, email Princeton Architects Aaron: Adjustments to Curtain walls and roofs Carly: Research

02/09: Amanda: Sun Study, worked on figuring out dimensions Aaron: Adjustments to Parking Carly: Research 02/13: Amanda: Dimensions Aaron: Pick views to render Carly: Research/ Convert Daily Log 02/15: All: Render – write reflection 02/17: No School President’s Day 02/21: All: Pulling research together, assembling packet 02/23: All: Pulling research together, assembling packet 02/27: All: Print 02/29: All: Put together presentation 03/02: Amanda and Carly: Mr. High scheduled to visit but had to cancel. Placed finishing touches on project Aaron: ABSENT 03/05: All: Exempt from first and second period; prepare and present to Mr. Branahey of Lasely Branahey

Architecture and Construction, Mr. High of Bohler Engineering, and Mr. Austin, Director of Buildings and Grounds for Montgomery Township Schools.

03/06: Disney

03/08: Disney 03/12: All: Regroup after Disney, begin adding improvements 03/14: All: Incorporate feedback 03/16: All: Incorporate feedback 03/20: All: Incorporate feedback 03/22: All: Meet with Mr. Andrew Tucker of KSS Architects in Princeton, New Jersey. 03/26: All: Incorporate feedback 03/28: Send Project out (Express Mail) 03/30: PARTY! 04/01: PROJECT MUST BE RECEIVED BY SYNERGIS

The following are our final impressions on the project: Carly Bowman: This project was a learning experience for me in many ways. It allowed me to further my knowledge about sustainable building, and obtain valuable real-world experience in ways such as meeting finite deadlines, working in a group, and speaking with professionals in the field. The sustainable and eco-friendly component of this project was something that required a lot of research. I handled a large portion of the research that our group did and in doing so I was able to explore a variety of different solutions such as ways to handle the water and wastewater in the building and different power sources such as solar and geothermal. Exploring these various different solutions opened my eyes to unconventional ways of operating a building that are sure to become more and more common-place in the future. As a whole, this project was very valuable in the working environment that it created. In class we typically work on individual projects so this was my first time collaborating with someone else on a large assignment. Since we did have three people working on this task, we had to learn how to have all three people work on the same file at the same time. With a little bit of research, we created a central file and used worksets so that all of us could work at the same time. In addition to figuring out how we could all work on the project at once, it was also very important for us to assign tasks and accomplish those tasks in a timely fashion; something that we all needed work on when we started this assignment. This project also gave us the opportunity to meet with many professionals in the field, thus allowing us to learn first hand from people that do this on a day to day basis. Through this project I think that we have all had the chance to learn and grow and further our knowledge. I will be attending college for architecture in the fall and this project has further affirmed that architecture is something that I would like to pursue in the future. Aaron Goldstein: During this project, I have learned a lot about the construction of a building, along with defining who I am as a creative individual. The process in which our team used to create the recreation center was not only extremely challenging, but also incredibly rewarding. We worked together as a team and found out the strengths and weaknesses of each individual and used those to our advantage. I expanded my knowledge on how to create a building that not only did what the spaces needed it to do, but to look aesthetically pleasing in the process. The research in which was done about the site aided to my understanding of how a building needs to connect to the outside site as well. I focused on the site planning of the building, designing the parking lot and site itself. After extensive discussions and research, the site was ultimately perfected to the requirements that we were given. This project gave me a greater understanding of how sustainable design and the site go hand and hand. The site could possibly have a lot to give back to the building and environment. Understanding your site and using it to aid the building be sustainable was an entirely new concept to me. After completion of this project, I had a brand new outlook on how to incorporate green technologies into the building and the site as well. Our site has sustainable designs such as a rain tank, a rain garden, a geothermal energy system, some bio swales, and porous pavement. These concepts are not only incredibly important to having a sustainable design, but were entirely new to me at the beginning of this project. I am extremely proud of our project and our group for working so well together and being able to collaborate to discuss new ideas. We all added our own personal research and designs into this project, and were extremely successful in fulfilling the guidelines of the project. Our skills to problem solve were refined as we learned how to work together and complete a project that seemed daunting at the beginning. We grew as individuals, a group, and architects.

Amanda Tilles: Throughout the working process of this project, I came across situations that helped me to grow as a person. I was able to expand my knowledge on sustainable green energy and proper resources for maintaining a “green” building; I was able to work in a collaborative group with Aaron and Carly in which we all brought separate essential components to the project and worked together to reach a common conclusion, and finally I was able to gain real-world experience through writing formal invitations for presentations, working on a deadline, and presenting in front of professional architects and engineers.

After researching and discussing the multiple energy efficient components of our project, I have taken away a greater understanding of how exactly these solutions work. One of my main research projects was finding information on the geothermal energy aspect of our project. First I did general research on what geothermal energy actually is and how it works, and then I continued my research, but focused more on what form of geothermal energy would be the most efficient and effective within our project constraints. After completing my research, I gained a greater appreciation for the various forms of “green” energy, and just how supportive they can be to for our environment.

Looking back on the work we all completed, I am extremely proud of our community center, and I am grateful for the learning experiences this project has given me. This was the first time any of us had worked in a group on an Architecture project, and because of that, our problem solving skills were developed both individually, and as a group. I look forward to any future projects we complete as a group.

http://www.kssarchitects.com/content/blog.php?id=1&start=2012-03-1

March 26, 2012

Lending a Hand: Sustainable Inspiration By: Gwen McNamara, LEED AP How many students does it take to design a sustainable community center? Three actually. Senior Architecture Portfolio students Carly Bowman, Aaron

Goldstein and Amanda Tilles at Montgomery High School in Montgomery, NJ have put together a compelling entry to the 2012 Synergis Secondary Student Architecture Competition and recently asked Andrew Tucker, KSS Director of Sustainable Design, to lend a hand. On March 22, Andrew visited the team and offered tips and suggestions for strengthening their impressive community center design. Under the supervision of teacher Tim Leicht, the students have been working since November to create a 40,000-square-foot community center for a site in Quakertown, Pa. The student's design incorporates a wide array of sustainable strategies and technologies, including photovoltaics and geothermal energy to generate energy; motion sensors, recycled insulation and Energy Star-rated fixtures and appliances to save energy; a biowall to improve air quality; and a rain garden, porous pavement, bioswales and waterless urinals to conserve water. Impressed with the quality and detail of the students' entry, Andrew suggested the group think about materials selection as they finalize their design. In particular considering the use of low- or no-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints and finishes, or product alternatives like cork and recycled tiles. He also shared strategies for bringing maximum natural light into the community center, and suggested the team utilize a light-colored roof to reduce heat absorption. The students also consulted with Tom McGrew, a former Montgomery student and senior at Drexel University, and representatives from Bohler Engineering and Lasley Brahaney architects, as well as resources at Montgomery High School, including Jeff Brooks, a teacher specializing in lighting and technology, and Robert Austin, director of facilities. The students will submit their entry on April 1. Synergis judges will pick the top three entries and post them to the Synergis Education Community for Engineering and Design Facebook page on April 10. Facebook votes will weigh 50 percent and the judges' choices will weigh 50 percent. A winner will be announced May 1. First place winners will receive $1,000 to split amongst the team, a chance to present the project at Synergis University on May 16 and have the design on the Synergis website and at Synergis University. Good luck Carly, Aaron and Amanda!