Awards of Distiction - Entry Detail

Olympic College SAGE Classroom

(Click an image below to see enlargement)

Main Category:

Modular Building Design

Company:

Pacific Mobile Structures, Inc.

Affiliate:

Blazer Industries, Inc.

Location:

Poulsbo, Washington

Building Use:

Used as an educational facility

Gross Size of Project:

2688 Square Feet

Days to complete:

120

Award Criteria

Architectural Excellence
Olympic College was in need of additional classroom space to accommodate the district’s increasing enrollment. A Smart Academic Green Environment (SAGE) classroom was built in a controlled factory environment in less than 30 days to meet the district’s needs. As a collaboration with Blazer Industries and Portland State University, the SAGE classroom combines the latest thinking in healthy learning environments and is designed with affordability and sustainability in mind. The 42x64 classroom building features three main classrooms and a conference room. Each classroom has a set of clerestory windows strategically placed to allow up to 4 times as much natural light. An interior work area was built with ceiling-height windows, to provide continued natural light. The designer’s choice of interior and exterior paint provided a seamless blend with the existing college landscape and structures while being environmentally safer than the average classroom.
Technical Innovation & Sustainability
The designers incorporated a powerful, yet energy-efficient Energy Recovery Ventilator. The ventilator system pumps 600 cubic feet per minute of fresh air into each classroom. This provides an oxygen-rich atmosphere designed to promote a better overall learning environment for students. The system uses mini-splits which are central to the heating and cooling of the building. Paired with fans throughout the building, fresh air is constantly circulating. Walls made of BIOPCM (Phase Change Material), contribute to the classroom’s high energy efficient ratings. The honeycomb membrane of the material stores hot and cool air to release as needed. When the temperature in the building fluctuates the air is released to create the optimal temperature. Air conditioners are among the highest energy users, and the building components all work together to reduce the draw of electricity.
Cost Effectiveness
The SAGE classroom uses 40 percent less energy than a standard modular classroom. With high-quality, environmentally safe building materials, the SAGE classroom delivers lower maintenance costs and an increased building life cycle. Having the manufacturing and installation phases of modular construction occurring almost simultaneously represents efficiency unmatched in any other type of construction. While Olympic College secured all the necessary construction permits, the manufacturing process began. Blazer Industries assembled all the green building components from walls to windows, while Pacific Mobile Structures completed the installation onsite. In addition, Pacific Mobile Structures ensured all the site work development including pouring the foundation and completing landscaping was done to blend into the forest location. The building was positioned to take advantage of the sun’s movement, saving on electricity costs. The improved HVAC systems provides healthier air.