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PROJECT
interiors
New Energy For Historical Structure Geothermal system, lighting, and windows were key elements in a deep-energy retrofit.
F
ew projects are more challenging than a major
house more than 40 classrooms and a majestic faculty
said Peter Reiss, AIA, LEED AP, project manager for
retrofit of an historical building on a busy ac-
meeting room. Despite the abundance of classroom
ARC. “In order to preserve historic ceilings and mill-
ademic campus. In addition to planning and
space, the building fell short in many key areas of
work, fan-coil units were used in many classrooms and
modern performance.
integrated into the existing wood paneling.”
installing new mechanical and structural systems in a building not originally designed for them, architects
“Like many historic academic buildings in New En-
and builders must preserve the historical character of
gland, there had been no thought to ever air condition
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an iconic structure, often while the building and ad-
it,” Laird said. With limited interior height and no ceil-
achieve 75% diversion rate
joining structures remain occupied.
ing access, finding space for piping and ductwork was
Other energy-conscious upgrades included: A construction waste-management approach to
ARC/Architectural Resources Cambridge, Cam-
a challenge. And because of the building’s location on
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bridge, MA, faced that situation with the design for
a tightly populated quad, there was no room for exte-
Marvin Windows, Warroad, MN, with low-e glass and a
a complete renovation and energy retrofit of Phil-
rior cooling towers or rooftop equipment.
1/2-in. air space filled with argon gas for reflecting heat
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New R30 roof system New high-performance replacement windows from
Low-emitting, low-VOC-compliant materials for all
lips Hall, a signature building at Phillips Exeter
ARC worked with energy consultants to develop a
Academy, Exeter, NH. Their task: “Get the building
geothermal system with 49 wells in a closed-loop
adhesives, paints, coatings, and flooring
ready for the next 50 years,” said Philip Laird, AIA,
pump system. Geothermal handles the heating and
LEED AP, president of ARC and principal-in-charge.
cooling, avoiding the need for loud and unattractive
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“We took a holistic approach to upgrading the en-
rooftop air-handling units, while reducing the school’s
rials where possible, including refurbished original
tire building.”
overall carbon footprint.
millwork, interior doors, hardware, wood f looring,
Phillips Hall, built in 1932, anchors a central quad-
“The geothermal system solved a variety of issues,
rangle on the prep school’s campus. Its 44,000 sq. ft.
including aesthetics, acoustics, and energy efficiency,”
58
COMMERCI A L BUIL DING P RODUC T S
OCTOBER 2014
www.cbpmagazine.com
Long-life terrazzo flooring installed in all corridors Use of salvaged and/or re-used historical mate-
interior wood mouldings, and exterior stone
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Use of local slate and granite
