Tag Archive for: sustainability

Top 6 Things to Know when Considering Adaptive Reuse

We have all heard the real estate mantra “Location, location, location!” However, great location does not also lead to perfect buildings. In fact, oftentimes the least perfect building is situated right on the site you want. And while some may consider a total demolition and rebuild as the only option, there are oftentimes a lot […]

Form, Function, and Funds: The Next Wave of Sustainability

When it comes to sustainable design, perhaps sustaining the attention of consumers is as important as the design itself. While sustainability may be written off as one of many “green trends”, it plays an enormous role in shaping how our future looks – both from the buildings we inhabit to the overall planet we live […]

The Value of Adaptive Reuse

To understand the importance of adaptive reuse, one must first appreciate the value of old buildings and architecture. While it can feel “progressive” to tear down the old in order to make room for the new, adaptive reuse defines progress differently. Rather than creating a narrow vision that imagines possibilities with a blank slate, reuse […]

Why Is Adaptive Reuse Important in Today’s World?

To understand the importance of adaptive reuse, one must first appreciate the value of old buildings and architecture. While it can feel “progressive” to tear down the old in order to make room for the new, adaptive reuse defines progress differently. Rather than creating a narrow vision that imagines possibilities with a blank slate, reuse […]

LEED Certification 101

 Better buildings! It’s the goal of the LEED Certification rating system. As such, each new version raises the bar; challenging owners, designers, building managers, manufacturers, and contractors to continually improve. One example of a higher standard is LEED version 4. Referencing ASHRAE 90.1-2010, it is an energy code more stringent than Indiana’s current energy code. High […]

Designing Residence Halls Specifically for the Student

Integrating specific academic environments into five Ball State University Residence Halls was a key early design consideration for the combined $144+ million projects. There was an opportunity to create an interplay between pre-millennial student lifestyle, academic, and career interests while also optimizing for energy efficiency. By adding the latest technologies, new amenities, and flexible design […]

What is VRF?

VRF (variable refrigerant flow) is a sophisticated HVAC technology. Invented around 30 years ago, this is known as the “Rolls Royce” of air conditioning systems. The use of the VRF mechanical system can assist in achieving LEED certification for facilities. The basic elements of VRF systems are: Refrigerant liquid is used as the cooling/heating medium, […]

Getting Real About Value Engineering

“Value engineering” is perhaps the most overused and under-realized term in the design/construction industry today. It has become the catch bucket for any exercise that involves reducing costs. By definition, value is the ratio of function to cost. Value is increased by improving function or reducing cost. A great example: the benefit analysis of solar […]

Graduating Green

40 years ago, our principal preoccupation with energy consumption issues was whether we had integrated enough of the right technology to keep the campus warm in winter and cool in summer. Those solely selfish considerations of personal comfort have given way to a completely different approach; one where the planet is also seen as a […]

Roof 101: Low-Slope Roof Material Options

There are a variety of types of commercial roofing systems. Most commercial roofs are either steep-slope or low-slope. Let’s look at the three primary types of low-slope roofs: 1. Built-Up Roofs Built-up roofs can be applied anywhere and can be placed on all low-slope roof building shapes. There are two basic types of built-up roofs: Coal […]