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The building is equipped with large operable windows on three sides to allow natural ventilation when the weather permits. When climate control is required, a high-efficiency heat pump delivers heating or cooling quietly through low-volume ducts and diffusers. Controls include a humidistat, occupancy sensor, motorized damper and two-stage compressor. Comfortable temperature and humidity are maintained by extra insulation, a moisture barrier and reflective roofing membrane.
The air quality is preserved by paperless drywall painted with no VOC paint. The HVAC units are Bard Quiet Climate with ERV. Thermostats to control heating and cooling are Bard/Honeywell electronic programmable with auto change-over function. Carbon dioxide levels are controlled by Bard/Honeywell CO2 sensors with relay to control dampers.
The building was positioned on site to achieve the maximum amount of daylight. Large windows and transom windows over the exterior doors allow ample daylight controlled by mini-blinds that can be adjusted to reflect the light off the ceiling or limit the amount of light that enters when darker conditions are needed. Additionally, sun tunnels installed in the roof bring day light to the center of the room.
Extra insulation, insulated doors, dual glazed windows with Low E glass and Armstrong “Ultima” 2’ x 4’ acoustical ceiling panels help keep the building quiet, reducing both noise generated inside or outside the building.
Materials were selected from recycled or recyclable materials as much as possible. Some examples include, interior paperless drywall, exterior cementious siding, ceiling tiles, ceiling grid, floor tile and insulation all contain a high percentage of recycled and recyclable materials.
Charlottesville Waldorf School decided to use MBI’s 2007 Student Green Building Contest Winner’s design as a starting point for their new ‘green’ classroom. Due to time constraints and budget restrictions, certain elements of the original design had to be modified. M Space partnered with the manufacturer in an effort to procure the greenest products and to construct a building that was as similar to the original contest winning design as possible. The building was designed to maximize the available space and make the best use of natural light from windows and sun tunnels. Colors were chosen to compliment the use and layout of the building. The cottage style of the building compliments the existing campus. The building was carefully placed among the trees to minimize the impact on the landscape.
The most practical and economical products to save energy and be environmentally friendly were selected. Donations from various suppliers helped reduce the overall cost, making the project more affordable for the school. Modular construction allows green buildings to be completed faster than traditional construction, while still using the same energy efficient and environmentally friendly products.