Cassat Hall and Memorial Hall were inspected by about 60 Northfield citizens yesterday, Aug.26, at 4:00 PM. These splendid new dormitories have been designed by LHB architects, who specialize in green architecture. One’s first impression of these buildings, however, is not that they are setting high standards in the LEED field (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). Rather, the impression is of a harmonious wedding of old and new: for the new buildings offer the same wonderful blend of human scale and proportion, of warm brick and slate colors, of “college Gothic” style, and of tasteful landscaping as the nearby buildings almost 100 years older. In fact Nourse Hall was built in 1917! So successful was this recreating process that one visitor asked Fred Rogers, referring to the brand new dorms, “How long have these buildings been here?”
Some features of these buildings: Cassat Hall contains 52,160 square feet, stands four stories, and will house 138 students in all class years. There are 56 double occupancy and 26 single occupancy rooms.
Memorial Hall: 39,376 four stories 92 juniors and seniors. 21 suites: 8 with 5 students, 13 with four.
The history behind these buildings is extensive, and a good place to find this history, in text and illustrations, is at http://apps.carleton.edu/campus/facilities/ where most of Carleton’s buildings are described; and at http://www.acad.carleton.edu/campus/archives/history/index.html. This history began with the founding of Northfield College in 1866, and the campus wasn’t much to look at. At least 10 years ago a need was seen for new student dormitories, and in fact an accreditation committee, including Robert Oden, then-president of Kenyon college, made that recomendation . Today’s buildings are predicted to earn a LEED gold rating by complying with the US Green Building council’s standards in sustainable design, construction, and operation. At least 20 features of these buildings are considered to be improvements in green technology; here are some of the most important features:
- Water conservation: The halls are designed to reduce water consumption by at least 30%. Restrooms have automatic dual-flush toilets and 1.6 gpm showerheads.
- Efficient Lights and Controls: energy efficiency limits the harmful environmental side effects of energy generation, distribution, and consumption.
- Efficient Appliances: Energy Star-labeled appliances are certified by the US Department of Energy to use less energy and water than standard odels.
- In-floor Heating: Building heat is provided through an energy efficient in-floor radiant sysstem that allows residents to feel warmer at a lower temperature setting.
- Ceiling Fans: In lieu of an energy-intensive air conditioning system, each room is provided with a ceiling fan on an occupancy sensor. Since the building manager will be on duty in the summer, the manager’s office is air conditioned.
- Energy Monitors: The halls are designed to use 28% less energy than typical construction. Actual energy use is dependent on resident behavior, and computer monitoring of energy use, with touch screens, will allow dorm residents to compare energy use on a floor-by-floor basis——which is guaranteed to encourage competition as an incentive in energy conservation! Shown here is an architect, Maureen Ness, at one of these monitor screens.
- LOw-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) Products: All paints, primer, adhesives, sealants,and finishes used in these dorms meet the low-VOC requirement of the LEED rating system.
- PVC-Free Flooring: PVC (polyvinyl chloride) plastic, commonly referred to as vinyl, can be hazardous to human health; therefore flooring in student rooms and game rooms is of PVC-free resilient tile.
- Ventilation Systems: Superior indoor air quality is required the the comfort and well-being of residents. Deviations from superior air quality will trigger an alarm in the building automation system.
- Solar roof panels: Cassat Hall has solar roof panels for heating water, which can save at least 30% of the amount of gas or electric heating required in its absence. Memorial Hall has solar roof panels with photovoltaic cells, which generate electricity and reduce the use of this external supplies of this important source of energy.
The construction of these buildings was great fun to watch, and you can do this all over again. thanks to these time-lapse videos. Click here to open them. http://apps.carleton.edu/campus/facilities/residence_halls/webcams/timelapse/
For a short story of the extraordinary generosity of George and Pat Cassat, go here: http://apps.carleton.edu/campus/development/givingstories/?story_id=61483 Not only have these donors enabled the construction of these two buildings, but they have also made possible the renovation of Nourse Hall, the dormitory closest to these new ones in both style and distance.
And finally, to see a short slideshow of the Open House, go here: Click on photo to bring up slideshow; mouse over each photo to view its caption. Ed
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