Macalester College Institute for Global Citizenship
Architect: Bruner/Cott Engineer: Van Zelm
Energysmiths collaborated closely with Bruner/Cott to set goals and measurable objectives for this 16,600 sf building that houses multiple programs. Spaces include offices, student work areas, conference rooms, and a magnificent gathering space. A superinsulated buidling envelope, critical in St. Paul's 8,000 HDD climate, is the primary strategy for energy savings. The building envelope is designed to be air tight and tested at 0.12 CFM50/sf of building shell. The building is modestly glazed, with the objective of providing daylighting with the lowest aperture possible. Exterior shading reduces peak cooling load. Enthalpy recovery and demand control ventilation minimize ventilation loads in both heating and cooling seasons. Heating and cooling energy is delivered via hydronic systems including radiant surfaces and chilled sails. As of March 2010 projected first year's energy use (10 month's data) is 38 kBTU/sf/yr, which is roughly 1/4 of the Macalester campus average. This project achieved a LEED Platinum rating, however, the design process focused on meeting performance objectives and the LEED rating was the byproduct of a process with clear goals and integrated design.
