Applied Sustainability Sketchup Platinum Project

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Regina Cid

Reflection

My project is an infill urban elementary school building. The school was designed with a sustainable approach, regarding

people and the environment. It is a project that aims to create a healthy and pleasant learning experience for the

students, as well as a stimulating working space for teachers and staff and a sustainable legacy to the community.

Features such as open spaces and lots of daylight provide a brighter environment inside the building, allowing less energy

consumption during school time. The school outdoors was designed in order to provide a large, playful space for children

and also the community. The pervious grounds allow absorption of water and shading of trees mitigates the sun heat.

I spent many hours on this project, because I wanted to explore the software and give wings to my imagination!

However, the software is not too user friendly, it is not the one I would chose if I was going to design a pro project.

I‘ve learned a lot about designing an architectural project, although all I did was based on my own judgment, a lot of

stuff is not the way it should be. But it was great and I really had a good time.

View One

South view- It shows key sustainable features, as the green roof, pervious grounds and the ground source heat exchanger.

Features

Dedicated space for planting produce (lettuce, tomato, arugula, etc.)

cultivated by students and staff and used at the school lunch

LED lighting use permits an arrangement that focus light towards the ground, not upwards, minimizing greatly light

pollution from the site (soccer field and parking lot)

Geoexchange heat pump draws heat from soil in winter (heat source) and cools the air on summer (heat sink); it

also allows temperature control for each room

Educational sign, about the sustainable features of the school building and outdoor space

Xeriscape-drought resistant plants (Wooly thyme, agave, yucca, aloe Vera, California poppy)

Rain barrels storage rain water for watering the soccer camp and the vegetable garden in the dry season

Pervious ground cover(bark mulch)to mitigate water runoff

Low-e windows to minimize glare and heat gain

Green roof(sedum album, sedum acre, sempervivum)

Light color paint was chosen to reflect sunlight; Low VOC paint was used inside (light colored, too)

Light-colored metal roof; the light color contributes to mitigate heat island effects. The metal roof, although

producing it is an energy intensive process, it is fully recyclable at its end of life

Deciduous trees (birch) provide shade in summer and allows sun light in winter

View Two West view- It shows a bright, play area and the interaction of the building with the outside environment through the addition with high glass panes

Features

Green roof (sedum acre, sedum album, sempervivum) for roof insulation, mitigation of rain water runoff and heat

island effect)

Not shown: CFL bulbs and LED lights in the gym; Low flow faucets in bathrooms with sensors

High ceiling with windows shed daylight in the school atrium, minimizing artificial light during day time; the high

ceiling also enhances the stack effect

The addition with high windows provides great input of sunlight and a welcoming environment for classes on

gardening and playful activities; the floor inside is cork, which is mold resistant, soft to walk on, and a good sound

proof material. Most of the library floor is also cork

View Three North view- It shows the main entrance of the school and the underground cistern

Features

Overhangs for windows to block summer sunlight and let winter sun come in.

Operable windows enhance occupants' thermal comfort in the warmer months

Underground cistern collects rain water to be used for low-flushing toilets and for back up water for irrigation

The brick cladding was salvaged from the old commercial building that was previously built on the site

View Four The East side of the building – The integration between the sustainable school building and the community

Features

The school was built in an infill lot. A public green space was built to foster the integration between the

neighbourhood and the school grounds. Native species were planted; the higher trees were already in the lot and

were preserved.

Pervious ground cover(gravel) to mitigate water runoff

Bike racks for students

Bike racks for teachers and staff

R-38 cellulose insulation on walls

View Five An inside view (facing east) - Reclaimed wood and light colors on walls give a more natural, outdoor look to the school

Features

Around 30% of the wood flooring is salvaged from the old building which previously occupied this site

Anti-mold low VOC paint was used in bathrooms