Design Resources Group, Architects, AIA had the distinct honor of acting as the Architect of Record and the LEED™ Project Manager for the new 86,000 square foot Early Childhood Learning Center in Phillipsburg, NJ. The building was designed with classroom wings that form a spoke and ring configuration with the core spaces located in the center. This allows for reduced travel distance from the furthest classroom to the core spaces and creates enclosed courtyards for supervised play periods.
The ECC was designed to the latest energy efficiency and environmental design standards through the United States Green Building Council's LEED™ program. A few of the unique features of this early childhood center include: Sun shades over classroom windows to maximize day lighting and minimize direct sunlight, Daylight compensation light switching, dedicated outside air system with 100% outside air and high performance filtration and a thermal storage HVAC system. Locally manufactured and locally harvested building materials were selected to reduce the fossil fuel consumption required to transport building products to the site. A 26 KW photovoltaic solar rooftop array was installed on the roof of the gymnasium through the grant assistance of the NJBPU. This photovoltaic system has been made part of the environmental awareness teaching curriculum that Phillipsburg recently launched. High performance modular boilers and energy recovery HVAC units work to provide a comfortable environment to the students and staff while minimizing energy use. The project team also established a construction waste management program which diverted over 75% of the construction waste from entering landfills, a unique site stone salvage operation was developed allowing for the reuse of site excavation material (rock) for gravel sub-base, riprap and pea gravel for the slabs and sidewalks.
The mechanical engineers specified an indoor air quality management program that was implemented both during construction and prior to occupancy.
A commissioning agent was engaged to review the design documents prior to construction to ensure that all building systems were coordinated. The project commissioning agent performed periodic construction inspections to verify that the contractors were accurately interpreting the plans and specifications. Finally, the commissioning agent conducted a post occupancy review of the entire building to verify the proper operation of architectural components and mechanical systems.
Selected members of the project team conducted an 11 month follow-up walkthrough to gather feedback from the staff, review the energy usage data and to ensure the proper operation of the various building systems.
