Final Project: Case StudyBY: 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 cul-de-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

The history of Norwich leads us to believe that people here take pride in aspects of manufacturing and industry and new structure should reflect that concept

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 Due to Brownfield Site

Implementation of renewable energy sources 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

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

Interior of Muddy Waters Café in New London, CT

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

Water Efficiency

5 points

Energy and Atmosphere

17 points

Materials and Resources

9 points

Indoor Environmental Quality

10 points

Total= 51 points

RatingsCertified= 26-32

Silver= 33-38

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