The University of Washington, Tacoma, had a few key objectives when it decided to renovate and modernize the century-old Russell T. Joy Building, located on the campus’ north end. A growing student population created the need for new classroom space, but that new space needed to be in line with the university’s efforts to minimize carbon output. Glumac provided MEP engineering to help the school meet those needs by achieving LEED Platinum for the existing, flatiron-style building, and achieving its goals for the 2030 Challenge, which requires buildings become completely carbon neutral and only utilize renewable energy by the year 2030.

Glumac designed an underfloor air distribution system for the tiered, theater-style lecture rooms in Russell T. Joy. Rather than utilizing overhead ducts to pump large amounts of conditioned air down into the space, the system allows outside air to enter the room and let the occupants’ bodies warm it as it rises. That air is then circulated to a heating/cooling unit if further temperature adjustments are needed. This allows for greater efficiencies in energy usage while creating a more dynamic and adjustable climate control system. In addition, energy efficient operable windows allow further control over the interior environment and a roof monitor with operable louvers improve natural ventilation.

The success of renovating and modernizing the more than 100-year-old Russell T. Joy building with these sustainable building design concepts was recognized by the American Institute of Architects, which honored the project with first place in the 2012 AIA Portland 2030 Challenge Awards.

Size: 47,736 sf
Project Cost: $18.9 million
Completion Date: March 2011
Architect: Hacker Architects
Owner: University of Washington
Services: MEP Engineering

Images courtesy of Lara Swimmer