Project Details
Location: Channahon, Illinois
Square Footage: 14,356
Construction Cost: $4.2 Million
Project Description
engineering design Initiative provided the design for converting an existing dated facility into an environmental education center. The directive for this design called for an energy efficient building utilizing environmentally friendly and sustainable building technologies. Mechanical and electrical sustainable technologies included:
- Energy modeling to determine optimal systems
- Premium efficiency geothermal ground source heat pumps
- Displacement ventilation
- In-floor hot water radiant heating
- Optimum ventilation via occupancy sensors
- Natural ventilation availability
- Desiccant dehumidification
- Sensible and latent heat recovery
- Heat pipe technology
- Adjustable frequency drives controlling premium efficiency motors
- Occupancy sensor control of lighting
- Multiple level switching
- Incorporation of architectural light shelves into electrical lighting design
- Centralized direct digital control of mechanical and electrical systems
- Waterless/flush-less restroom fixtures
The end use of this environmental education center is similar in function to a visitor center with public spaces, meeting spaces, offices, a kitchen, and support spaces.
*Lane Cameron photos provided courtesy of the Forest Preserve District of Will County.
