D. Eldridge Environmental Portfolio

ENVIRONMENTAL PORTFOLIO

FA21_TSM2001_1 SCOTT ELDRIDGE

SCOTT ELDRIDGE

A native of Frederick County, MD, Scott attended Penn State University and earned a B.S. in Architecture in 2006. While in college he also participated in the Naval ROTC program, and was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy upon graduation.

Following six years of active military service, Scott left the navy with the intention of pursuing his passion for architecture. After spending several years in manufacturing and supply chain management while his wife completed her schooling, he began his first full-time architecture job in 2017.

Scott currently resides in Lancaster, PA with his wife and three children (7, 7, and 5 years old), and works as a project manager for a medium-size architecture firm specializing in K-12 educational projects.

Scott is currently in his third semester of the online M.Arch program at the BAC.

FOOTPRINT CALCULATIONS

IMAGE: CARBON FOOTPRINT

The carbon and ecological footprint exercises represent a straightforward, yet helpful means to approximate and understand how we use resources in our daily activities. The summaries below

showed me the impact of my lifestyle as compared to other people, and helped me realize that I can take small steps -- such as adjusting thermostat settings -- to reduce my footprint.

The Ecological Footprint, especially, made me realize the urgency of the problem and how important it is that I make changes in my own daily habits and actions.

Figure 1. Household Carbon Footprint Report. Data from United States Environmental Protection Agency, “Carbon Footprint Calculator, https://www3.epa. gov/carbon-footprint-calculator/

Figure

gov/carbon-footprint-calculator/

IMAGE: CARBON FOOTPRINT

2. Household Carbon Footprint Report. Data from United States Environmental Protection Agency, “Carbon Footprint Calculator, https://www3.epa.

IMAGE: ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT

Figure 3. Ecological Footprint Summary. Data from Global Footprint Network, “Ecological Footprint Calculator, https://www.footprintcalculator.org/en/ results/0/summary

INTEGRATED DESIGN SKETCH

MARINE EDUCATION CENTER OCEAN SPRINGS, MS LAKE | FLATO ARCHITECTS

The Marine Education Center in Ocean Springs, Mississippi was designed to be both sustainable and resilient, and that approach began with the site itself. The architects preserved as much vegetation as possible (keeping many existing trees as a windbreak) and lifted the new buildings

above the 500-year flood plain on helical piers. The buildings themselves were designed to be ecologically-friendly, using skylights and daylighting, rainwater harvesting, and rainscreen cladding constructed to improve natural ventilation.

Figure 5. Integrated Design Sketch.

COTE

MARINE EDUCATION CENTER

LOCATED IN SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI, THE MARINE EDUCATION CENTER COMPRISES OUTDOOR CLASSROOMS, LAB SPACES, ASSEMBLY AND EXHIBITION AREAS DESIGNED TO INFORM VISITORS OF THE REGION’S BAYOU AND WETLAND ECOSYSTEMS.

THE CAMPUS BUILDINGS, CAREFULLY PLACED WITHIN PROTECTIVE STANDS OF OLD GROWTH TREES, HAVE BECOME A HUB FOR RESEARCHERS AND THE COMMUNITY TO STUDY AND EXPLORE ECOLOGY, HABITAT, AND COASTAL RESILIENCE.

CLIMATE CLASSIFICATION:

Lake | Flato Architects unabridged Architecture Seattle Bridge and HDR Engineering Garabedian Associates Brown Mitchell Alexander TLC Engineering Datum Engineering

BMI Environmental Services

Starks Contracting Co., Inc. Studio Outside David Nelson & Associates

M A Howard Consulting, LLC

CLIENT:

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI

Figure 7. Waterfront access at the Marine Education Center. American Institute of Architects, “2020 COTE Top Ten: Marine Education Center at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory,” https://www.aia.org/showcases/6280242-marine-education-center-at-the-gulf-coast-

SITE CONSIDERATIONS DESIGNED FOR SUSTAINABILITY

With environmental conservation and building resiliency in mind, the architects located the new structures near the water, but above the flood plain (bayhead) and inside the pine forest tree canopy.

The buildings were designed to rest on piers more than 20 feet above sea level, and the two sides of the campus are connected with a new pedestrian bridge.

Figure 8. Clockwise from Top Left, Site Zone Considerations, Site Rendering, Site Ecology Diagram, and Sustainability Strategies. American Institute of Architects, “2020 COTE Top Ten: Marine Education Center at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory,” https://www.aia.org/showcases/6280242-marineeducation-center-at-the-gulf-coast-

ENTRANCE DETAIL

ARCHITECTURAL APPROACH

DESIGNED FOR RESILIENCE

Sourced with a combination of local yellow pine and cement board siding for durability, the new pavilions were designed with ventilated rainscreens and skylights to capture natural breezes and daylight.

Hot water is provided via a solar thermal system, and some of the pavilions are designed to be shut down in the slower seasons of the year to conserve energy.

https://www.aia.org/showcases/6280242-marine-education-center-at-the-gulf-coast-

FLOOR PLANS

“2020

https://www.aia.org/showcases/6280242-marine-education-center-at-the-gulf-coast-

Figure 10. Above, from Left Main Entrance, Outdoor Walkway, Education Pavilion. American Institute of Architects, “2020 COTE Top Ten: Marine Education Center at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory,”

Figure 9. Above, from Left Entrance Detail, Floor Plans. American Institute of Architects,

COTE Top Ten: Marine Education Center at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory,”

CLIMATE CONSULTANT CHARTS

MARINE EDUCATION CENTER OCEAN SPRINGS, MS LAKE | FLATO ARCHITECTS

IMAGE: WIND VELOCITY RANGE

Since the education center is located along the coast, the architects needed to understand the effects of wind on the site. Although the average wind velocity is typically below 10 mph, winds are generally

stronger during the winter months. To protect the various buildings on the site, the designers placed each building within the protective windbreaks formed by existing stands of trees.

IMAGE: ILLUMINATION RANGE

This chart shows the average illumination values during daylit hours, measured in footcandles. These averages show that the highest levels of illumination and intensity occur during April, May, and August through

November. This information may have been helpful to the design team as they planned the locations and sizes of the facility’s solar hot water systems and skylights.

IMAGE: DRY BULB AND DEW POINT

This chart shows dry bulb and dew point temperatures throughout the year. These values show that the dry bulb and dew point temperatures are closest together during the summer months (Jun - Sep), which is

indicative of high moisture levels and/or precipitation. With 65+ inches of annual rainfall, the architects incorporated a cistern for rainwater collection and raised the buildings on helical piers.

PSYCHROMETRIC CHART DESIGN STRATEGIES

MARINE EDUCATION CENTER OCEAN SPRINGS, MS LAKE | FLATO ARCHITECTS

IMAGE: PSYCHROMETRIC CHART

To achieve a 100% comfort range in the humid coastal Mississippi climate, the three most effective design strategies are Dehumidification (570 hrs), Cooling (1169 hrs), and Heating (1163 hrs).

STRATEGY #1

DESIGN GUIDELINE 59 - MINIMIZE USE OF AIR CONDITIONING BY EMPLOYING

PASSIVE DESIGN TECHNIQUES

Its location in the hot, humid climate of southern Mississippi means the Marine Education Center will require the use of indoor air conditioning for occupant comfort. However, the architects employed several design methods to reduce the cooling load of the buildings.

Rather than designing one large, sprawling structure, Lake | Flato created several narrow pavilions, punctuated by open breezeways and porches that capture and

direct airflow. This cross-ventilation has a cooling effect on visitors and building occupants.

The buildings are also raised on piers, which improves airflow and ventilation beneath the structure.

Lastly, the Marine Center employs numerous covered porches and deep overhangs that prevent excess sunlight (solar gain) from overheating the buildings.

Figure 15. Above left Design Guideline 59: Design for Cooling; Above Right Form for Cooling. Architecture 2030, “2030 Palette,” http://www.2030palette. org/form-for-cooling/.

Figure 16. Outdoor Education Area at the Marine Education Center. American Institute of Architects, “2020 COTE Top Ten: Marine Education Center at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory,” https://www.aia.org/showcases/6280242-marine-education-center-at-the-gulf-coast-

STRATEGY #2

DESIGN GUIDELINE 18 - EMPLOY HEATING, BUT “RIGHT-SIZE” THE BUILDING TO CONSERVE ENERGY

As the psychrometric chart indicates, even a building in coastal Mississippi requires heating during the winter months.

To maintain occupant comfort while also conserving energy resources, the architects specifically designed half of the campus buildings to be shut down and closed during the winter “low season,” therefore reducing the overall heating load of the facility.

Architecture 2030, “2030 Palette,” http://www.2030palette.org/.

STRATEGY #3

DESIGN GUIDELINE 46 - ACHIEVE DEHUMIDIFICATION BY USING HIGH EFFICIENCY AIR CONDITIONING & HEAT PUMP EQUIPMENT

Manipulating the dry bulb temperature alone is not enough to consistently support occupant comfort in the Marine Education Center’s humid environment. Dehumidification is necessary as well.

A high efficiency air conditioning unit will supply the building interior with cool air, but as an added benefit, it does so by removing moisture from the air. This moisture is removed and disposed of as condensate, leaving the room air in a dryer and more comfortable condition.

Figure 17. Above left Design Guideline 18: Keep the building small (right-sized); Above Right Design Guideline 46: High Efficiency air conditioner or heat pump.

MARINE EDUCATION CENTER OCEAN SPRINGS, MS LAKE | FLATO ARCHITECTS

The results of the super-spreadsheet reveal that the Marine Education Center excelled in the areas of ecology and wellness by providing comfortable and functional buildings that sit lightly within the existing coastal landscape.

Areas of opportunity include design for water, design for energy, and design for discovery. Although these measures were partially addressed, a more thorough post occupancy evaluation may have yielded valuable data and insights that could inform future projects.

RAINWATER COLLECTION CALCULATIONS

IN-CLASS EXERCISE

WATER CONSERVATION CALCULATIONS

IN-CLASS EXERCISES

• 2.5gpm

• 10 minute shower

• 1.5gpm showerhead

• 10 minute shower

• 1 shower/day

PERSONAS

MARINE EDUCATION CENTER OCEAN SPRINGS, MS LAKE | FLATO ARCHITECTS

ITS PRIME LOCATION ALONG THE GULF COAST HAS MADE THE MARINE EDUCATION CENTER A GATHERING SPOT AND KEY DESTINATION FOR RESEARCHERS, EDUCATORS, AND THE PUBLIC.

EVELYN AMELIA MASON

43 years old

Marine Biologist / Researcher at Gulf Coast Research Lab

Hometown: Pascagoula, MS

Interests: Yoga, running, cooking, gardening

21 years old Volunteer / Student at University of Southern Mississippi)

Hometown: Gulfport, MS

Interests: Kayaking, hiking, reading, going out with friends

7 years old

Elementary School Student (second grade)

Hometown: Biloxi, MS

THROUGHOUT THE CAMPUS, SCIENTISTS AND VOLUNTEERS SPEND TIME SHARING THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF AND PASSION FOR THE COASTAL ENVIRONMENT WITH VISITORS FROM THE COMMUNITY, WHO VALUE THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN ABOUT ECOLOGY, HABITAT, AND COASTAL RESILIENCE IN FUN AND ENGAGING WAYS.

Loves a mental challenge!

Enjoys spending time outdoors!

Interests: Playing with Legos, football, fishing

Always on the move!

Goals/Reason for Visiting: Evelyn works at the Marine Education Center’s laboratory, researching local wildlife in and around the bayou ecosystem.

Goals/Reason for Visiting: Amelia grew up in coastal Mississippi and has a passion for teaching others -- especially children -- about the region and its natural resources.

Goals/Reason for Visiting: Mason came to the Marine Education Center on a school field trip. He was excited to see and learn about the different types of fish in the local waterways.

EVELYN

RESEARCH LAB

Figure 18. Site Plan Rendering, Marine Education Center. Adapted from Studio Outside, “Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, Ocean Springs Mississippi,” https://www.studiooutside.us/gulf-coast-research-laboratory.

PORTFOLIO | SCOTT ELDRIDGE

“I spend most of my day studying specimens in the lab. I enjoy this work, but the rewarding part is when I get to share my research with visitors in the exhibit space on campus. This also gives me an opportunity to interact with my colleagues and with the volunteer staff.”

EXHIBIT SPACE

AMELIA

CLASSROOM PAVILION

“I enjoy teaching the kids and other visitors about the marine environment here. The best part, though, is taking them down to the bayou and out on the water, so they can experience it in person.”

Figure 19. Site Plan Rendering, Marine Education Center. Adapted from Studio Outside, “Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, Ocean Springs Mississippi,” https://www.studiooutside.us/gulf-coast-research-laboratory.

BAYOU AND OVERLOOK PAVILION

OUTDOOR GATHERING AND TEACHING SPACE

BAYOU AND OVERLOOK PAVILION

MASON

CLASSROOM PAVILION

“The bridge was really cool! We also learned about turtles, fish and alligators...and I even got to go kayaking!”

FOOTBRIDGE

Figure 20. Site Plan Rendering, Marine Education Center. Adapted from Studio Outside, “Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, Ocean Springs Mississippi,” https://www.studiooutside.us/gulf-coast-research-laboratory.

PASSIVE STRATEGIES & THERMAL ENVELOPE

IN-CLASS EXERCISES: WINDOW-WALL RATIO SHADING DEVICES

ENERGY CONSUMPTION

IN-CLASS EXERCISE

EMBODIED CARBON

IN-CLASS EXERCISE

IMAGE: EMBODIED CARBON CALCS

This exercise introduced a step-by-step method of calculating embodied carbon in a building by analyzing materials and assemblies, as well as considering factors such as site lighting during construction and flooring replacement during the building’s

operational lifespan. It is startling to see how much negative impact is created through something as straightforward as replacing carpet tiles, which could easily be overlooked by someone only analyzing the building’s initial materials and footprint.

EC3 TOOL

EMBODIED CARBON ANALYSIS

IMAGE: SANKEY DIAGRAM (DEMO BUILDING)

EC3 is an online tool that allows users to define and select specific materials to calculate and analyze the embodied carbon footprint of a building. The tool includes data for several sample, or “Demo” buildings, which can then be compared with users’ own projects.

The output below is a Sankey diagram from “Demo Building A,” showing the embodied carbon values of individual materials, as well as the project total, in relation to key baseline values.

Figure 21. Sankey Diagram. Data from Building Transparency, “EC3, Embodied Carbon in Construction Calculator” https://www.buildingtransparency.org.

IMAGE: SANKEY DIAGRAM (STUDIO PROJECT - BOSTON MUSEUM)

To analyze the embodied carbon of my recent studio project, I entered some of the structural and foundation materials into the EC3 program.

My building, a 130,000 SF museum in Boston’s North End, was designed with poured concrete foundations (including numerous, deep concrete piles due to the waterfront location) and a steel superstructure. After viewing the initial Sankey diagram, I quickly realized the considerable impact of both materials.

To reduce the values below the Achievable EC Target, I changed the concrete to a ReadyMix located closer to my site; I also selected a hot rolled steel with the lowest EC value. Notably, I was able to get below the overall and concrete-specific targets, but my value for the structural steel material did not quite meet target. This was informative and will help me consider other alternatives for future projects.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. American Institute of Architects. “2020 COTE Top Ten: Marine Education Center at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory.” https://www.aia.org/showcases/6280242-marineeducation-center-at-the-gulf-coast-.

2. Architecture 2030. “2030 Palette.” http://www.2030palette.org/.

3. Building Transparency. “EC3: Embodied Carbon in Construction Calculator.” https://www. buildingtransparency.org/.

4. Studio Outside. “Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, Ocean Springs, Mississippi.” https:// www.studiooutside.us/gulf-coast-research-laboratory.