Transcript Final Project: Case Study

Final Project: Case
Study
BY: BRETT ORZECHOWSKI AND TORIN RADICIONI
PROFESSOR MARK COMEAU
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
SPRING SEMESTER 2014
Mission Statement
The mission statement of this site evaluation is to understand the
concepts of sustainability and how they work by taking a previously
existing structure and redeveloping it with additions of renewable
energy sources, ideas to conserve water, and integration of the
community known as the City of Norwich. With this mission statement in
mind we hope to not only exceed all the standards given but, reflect
on our efficiency by comparing our results to LEED certification
standards.
Criteria


In order to achieve the goals presented in the Mission Statement we
must:

Investigate the possibility to preserve gray water and actively reuse it

Implement promotional methods to attract initial customers

Look into concepts of renewable energy and decide what is most
suitable for the given situation
At the end of the project we hope:

The cite is planned out accordingly

Our finished product meets LEED certification standards

To have a better understanding on how sustainability is integrated in site
planning
Project Options
Backus Corner (Rte. 82 &
N.L. Turnpike, Norwich, CT)
Rte 82 Dollar Store, Norwich,
CT
Backus Corner

Our choice of Backus Corner came
down to:

The fact that the location is in a high
traffic area

It is within walking distance of Three
Rivers Community College


Scholastic hub for thousands of
people

Potential to attract high diversity rate
of clientele
Accessible by different types of
transportation

Bike

Walking

Bus

Automotive
Brownfield Site

This building was previously used as a
service station


Soil is contaminated with poorly
disposed automotive fluids

Anti-freeze

Oil and lubricants
Considerations of demolishing the
original structure to excavate and
put new soil into site


Defeats the purpose of active reuse
Majority of the site is impervious
surface

May bring in aspects of conserving
rainwater due to lack of tree cover

Implementation of vegetation within
general area
Traffic

This traffic map shows


The two main entrances/exits to our
existing structure

Difficulties exiting left from the exit on
the far right

Potentially gaining access to the culde-sac located behind the building

Idea of creating entrance only/exit
only locations
The traffic flow at 9:00 AM on an
average Monday morning

Useful for when site is in development
stage

Issue that the space does not provide
enough parking
Other Drawbacks From Site
Location


Located right next to a package store

Same color building

Need to separate ourselves entirely
We have to import more aspects of greenery

Site surface is mostly asphalt

Danger of bringing in invasive species
Existing Site Plan

Access to the cul-de-sac behind
the structure could relieve traffic
problems

Access for general public

Attracting outside clientele to
invest in area


Potential homebuyers
The location of the existing
structure is towards the back

Room for something else in front?

Free up room for more parking?
History of Norwich



Stamp Act of 1764- lead to Norwich becoming
independent industrially

Opening mills

Manufacturing

Textiles

Armament
1830’s Steamship Service in Boston

Norwich becoming a hub for a shipping center

Mass migration of diverse groups of people into
city

Worcester Railroad 1832

Solidified Norwich as an industrial city in CT

Production of Goods
20th Century – Present

Heavily industrialized

Sharing of cultures

Establishment of public schools, churches,
and social centers
Eliza Huntington Memorial Home (1830’s)
Rainwater Collection?


Climate table shows the average
rainfall in inches/month

Total average inches= 54.75

Site is mainly impervious surface
Possibility of rainwater collection
tank

Constructed wetlands within front
of site to add greenery and
aesthetics to site?

Focuses on Mission Statement
dedicated to water conservation
Solar Power Energy

Map shows the amount of
kilowatts/meters^2/day

City of Norwich falls into the 3.5-4
area

Strong possibility of installing small
solar panels

Cut down on outside lighting

Besides Geothermal, Solar is the
most efficient renewable energy
source
Community


The site is at the center of many
corporate establishments

Fast food chains

Department stores
The site is across from a fire station
that hosts community events

Possible partnership for events?

Similarities to Summer Concert
Series held in Niantic, CT
Upstream vs. Downstream


Huge advancements towards the
conservation of water

Also smart implementations of renewable
energy sources

Creation of small ecosystems in place of
a lack of greenery

Using pre-assembled products to limit
onsite waste

Disposal of Products

Asphalt

Contaminated Soil

Oil tanks below ground
Location of new soil


Not relative to area
The Existing Structure needs to come
down

Nothing is reusable

“It’s going to light like a roman candle”
Projected Site Plan
New Site Plan (FRONT VIEW)
Front View

Larger window space


More natural light in
Implementation of outside seating

Breaking the “fourth wall” of site

Interaction between pedestrians
and customers
What Changed from Existing
Structure

Demolition of original structure


Implementation of renewable energy sources



Due to Brownfield Site
Solar Panels
Practices of water conservation

Water conservation tank

Two aquatic biomes in front of site
Use of the cul-de-sac as an exit/entrance

Free ups the issue of traffic

Creation of a stage for a community showcase

Added herbal gardens used onsite in confectionaries
Solar Energy Panels


Advancements in Solar Energy

Made Solar Energy more efficient

Possibility of returns on investments
(2) 100 watt Solar Panels

Enough to power outside utilities

Dimensions stand at 47x1.4x21.3
inches

Smaller scale=greater return

Solar panels w/o battery and
installation≈ $150/panel
Geothermal Heating System

Investment of a system ranges
from $20,000-$30,000


There is a need for return on
investment
In comparison to an oil burning
furnace

Savings of nearly $400 dollars a
year

No maintenance

ROI of geothermal system (5-7
years)
Rainwater Harvesting Barrel


There is no need for an in ground
tank

Smallest tanks are <100 gallon
storage

Average rainfall in Norwich= >60
gallons
The system will control outside
hose system towards back of
building

One rain barrel= $51.99
Stormwater Planters

Simplistic way to bring small scale
ecosystems into urban society

Ads aesthetic value to site

Treats storm water to feed
greenery and limits water runoff

Used to produce herbs for onsite
use
Instant Hot Water Systems

Provides instant hot water without
the wait


Prevents scalding because the
temperature change is instant
For a $500 dollar utility bill

Electric Tankless= ($900-$1500 annual
savings)*

Gas Tankless= ($1500-$2100 annual
savings)*

Starting systems range from ($600$650)
*=according to
http://tanklesswaterheaterguide.com/#
savingscalc
Interior

Use of no VOC paints


Interior of Muddy Waters
Café in New London, CT
Prevents release of harsh
chemicals throughout structure
Wood finishes with mostly white
painted walls

Easiest way to accent interior
without wasting money on finishes
and paint

Addition of local art and seating
area help attract business

Very front=Chalkboard paint for
children to draw on
Finishes

Low-flow plumbing fixtures



Practices in water conservation
Electrical control panels

Conservation of lighting at night

Low LED lighting for spotlight effect
and low emission rate
Oak flooring

Less movement due to moisture

Quality finish
Stage Presence

Stage will draw attention to building

Stage will provide location for
charity events


Concert Series

Summer Stand-Up Nights

Communal involvement

Attracting customers to become long
time clients
“Diamond in the Rough”

Amidst all the commotion the site is
to provide relaxation to all who enter

Gem of the mass transit area of
Norwich
LEED Certification
What we had…

Sustainable Sites



9 points
Indoor Environmental Quality


17 points
Materials and Resources


5 points
Silver= 33-38
Energy and Atmosphere


Certified= 26-32
9 Points
Water Efficiency

Ratings
10 points
Total= 51 points
Gold= 39-51
Platinum= 52-69
Reflection


Our mission statement included

Redeveloping a previously existing structure

Implementing designs of renewable energy

Focus on water conservation

Making site friendly to the community
We achieved all goals noted

Is there room for improvement?

More efficient renewable energy sources

More additions to greenery around developed structure