Innovations
Our New Grove Studio
Consolidation of offices and the desire to expand and own within the City motivated our search for a new studio. Located on the business strip in a resurgent, yet challenging part of the city, a 7500 sf, single story, brick building was selected. Deteriorating and vacant for ten years, the property represented an opportunity to make an immediate positive impact. With the economic recession in motion and facing declining workload, significant challenges were presented. Acting as Developer, Architect and General Contractor, we were successful obtaining $530,000 of financial support, including Brownfield Remediation Credits, State/Federal Historic Tax Credits and American Recovery & Reinvestment Act payments.
Geothermal/Solar Thermal Energy System
To reinforce our leadership on sustainability, an innovative energy system was conceived. Utilizing geothermal wells, solar thermal arrays, heat pump and desiccant wheel, heating is zoned radiant flooring and cooling is through a suspended aluminum chilled FIN system. The chilled FIN system was invented and patented for this project.
While respecting historic aspects of the building, necessary for tax credits, the firm translated its preferred aesthetic on the interior. A galvanized steel wall divides the space, separating the studio from support rooms. It also provides an expansive magnetic surface for charetting and display. The conclusion of the steel wall meets the main entry/gallery which is surrounded by expansive windows and prime, street level visibility where local artists are invited to exhibit work.
While many alternative energy systems focus on converting energy from the sun to electricity via solar panels, the SPACE system combines solar thermal and geothermal technology in a water based system.
Our cooling system utilizes 15 geothermal wells situated 200' under the parking lot. Ground temperature water is pumped from the geothermal wells through heat pump which cools water down to 45 degrees. From there, water is pumped into copper tubes within aluminum fins suspended from the studio ceiling. The fins absorb heat and carry water out of the building, eliminating the need for cold air to be forced into the studio like a traditional air conditioning system. A water powered desiccant wheel uses stored heat in a tank to remove the humidity from the air.
Our heating system combines solar tubes to harness the power of the sun through a solar array on the roof. Heated water is pumped to a storage tank that in essence serves as a battery that stores energy. A separate loop runs from the storage tank, delivering heat to the radiant floor coils under a concrete slab at 70 degrees. The entire system is software controlled.
The Coefficient of Power (COP) for the SPACE heating/cooling system iapproximately 9, which means, for every kilowatt of power required for operation, the system creates 8 kilowatts of energy.
+ The design translates to 51% less energy use than a similar facility built at the City baseline and an estimated 50-75% decrease in monthly heating/cooling costs, depending on comfort settings.
+ The system's life expectancy is 20-30 years, and it will pay for itself in six years.
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Fabrication Studio
Our new studio also includes a 1000 sq ft fabrication studio for welding, woodworking, specialty item production, prototype development, furniture design and custom construction projects.
