2.0 LANDER HIGH SCHOOL
2.1 Project Description
The district has proposed building a new Lander High School to replace the existing facility. The existing facility was built in phases beginning in 1949 with additions in 1959 and 1967. The entire facility contains 145,000 square feet, is located on a 21 acre site, and had a Fall 2001 enrollment of 761. The conditions score, as determined in the 1997/98 assessment, was 67.02 with a suitability score of 75. In June of 2000, the City Building Inspector ordered the district to immediately vacate the 1959 east classroom wing and the gymnasium due to unsafe structural conditions.
The proposed new high school would be located on a 66 acre site near the existing school. The proposed site has an existing field house, football stadium and track, several baseball and soccer fields, and a parking lot, all of which would be utilized in the new facility. The proposed project would have capacity for 800 students in 175,402 gross square feet (GSF) of new space and 23,616 GSF of existing space (the field house) for a total of 199,018 GSF. The total project, which would include upgrades to the existing field house, is estimated to cost approximately $104/SF for building space and have a total cost of $25,607,770.
2.2 Design Guidelines and Rules Review
The first step in this review was to identify those state rules and design guidelines that have a direct affect on the design of a school facility. These were inserted into a chart which was used to review the schematic design documents for each project. This chart is located in Appendix A.
Rules and guidelines with which the project design did not align are detailed below with the district’s response and the review team’s comment or recommendation. To review the results of the complete review, see Appendix A.
Rule
Section 7 (c) Senior high schools shall be designed within the range of 150 to 180 GSF per student.
(d) Teaching stations, common space, mechanical space, gym space as shown in the facilities guidelines, and auditoriums in facilities having a projected design capacity of 1200 students or more, are included in the space standards shown above. Gym space that exceeds the typical space of the guideline examples, auditoriums in schools that have fewer than 1200 students in projected capacity, mezzanine space and natatoriums are not included in the space standards.
Analysis
The project is designed for a capacity of 800 students and contains 175,402 GSF of new space and 23,616 GSF of existing space, for a total of 199,018 GSF or 249 GSF per student.
The project design contains an auditorium of 9,751 GSF, an existing field house, and a new gym. When the auditorium is excluded from the total GSF, the project provides 236 GSF per student. (199,018 – 9,751 = 189,267 / 800 = 236)
District’s Response
The District argues that paragraph (d) of the rule excludes auditoriums (for schools under 1200 students) and gymnasium space in excess of the guideline. (The guideline recommends one competition court with two practice cross-courts.) Therefore, since the field house is in excess of the guideline, and an existing facility, the field house and the auditorium should be excluded from the calculation. This would result in 207 GSF per student. (175,402 – 9,751 = 165,651 / 800 = 207)
Note: Discussions regarding the size of the auditorium and the necessity of two gyms will be presented under the guidelines dealing with those issues.
Comments/Recommendations
The intent of paragraph (d), which establishes exclusions to the rule, is unclear. One could conclude that the intent is to identify spaces not accounted for by the 150-180 GSF per student rule and, therefore, should not be included in the design. This would mean that schools of less than 1200 students should not have an auditorium, gym space in excess of the guideline, natatoriums, or mezzanines. In the case of mezzanines, this interpretation seems faulty since mezzanines are typically use for mechanical equipment. This interpretation also conflicts with the design guideline that allows for auditoriums for schools which have at least 600 students.
The other interpretation, which coincides with the district’s, is that since the paragraph excludes those spaces, they should not be counted when calculating the amount of gross square footage that is being provided per student. This interpretation would appear to allow for as much gym space as a district proposed and allow for natatoriums.
Recommendation: This rule and the associated guidelines should be modified to clearly represent the intent of the state.
A review of the GSF calculations is provided below.
|
Rule |
150 – 180 GSF per student |
|
Complete project design including existing field house. |
249 GSF per student |
|
Project design excluding existing field house. |
219 GSF per student |
|
Project design excluding existing field house and auditorium. |
207 GSF per student |
Recommendation: The total GSF of the design should be reduced to more closely comply with the rule.
The review team found the design to have some inefficiencies, such as excessive circulation space and a lack of “compactness”. In addition, the size and single use of the vocational spaces could be reevaluated, as well as the need for a second competition gym. Some spaces exceeded the guidelines and could be redesigned. (These spaces will be identified later in this review.)
Rule
Section 7 (f) For new construction, the projected design capacity, as used for gross square footage computations, may not exceed the enrollment of the previous school year by more than 10 percent (10%).
Analysis
The design capacity of the project is 800 students and the previous year’s attendance was 774, therefore this project technically complies with this rule. However, enrollment projections submitted with the schematic documents, show a declining enrollment which will reach 573 by 2005.
District’s Response
The district argues that the enrollment projections were developed by simply “carrying through” the existing K-8 enrollments, that a cohort survival method was not utilized, and that economic and demographic factors were not considered. The district’s facility master plan does contain quantitative and qualitative analysis of population growth in the county, but does not show a growth in student enrollment levels either.
The district presented the following factors that it feels will result in a growing or at least stable enrollment.
1. There are 600 high school age students in the county who have “dropped out” of high school. The district is committed to recapturing a large portion of this population.
2. While the county’s K-8 population is not growing, the K-8 population of the adjacent Indian reservation is and these students attend Lander High School.
3. Approximately 40 students who attend the alternative high school take classes at Lander High School.
4. Economic factors, such as new coal mining technology, indicate the county could experience growth.
5. The state economic forecast is positive.
The district argued that it would be irresponsible to build a new high school that could not house the existing student population, especially when the process of developing enrollment projections is not an exact science. The district also stated that the voters had overwhelming (80%) passed a bond referendum based on a design for an 800-student school and that this clearly indicates the community’s needs.
Comments/Recommendations
While the review team appreciates the district’s arguments and in no way discredits them, the lack of enrollment projections developed in a comprehensive manner is a significant gap in the planning process. (Note: the district’s Facility Master Plan does contain enrollment projections developed using the cohort survival method and these also show a declining enrollment.) The design capacity of a school should not be based on a rule which establishes the maximum the state will allow.
During the workshop the review team made a calculation to determine the capacity of the project. The number of teaching stations were counted and multiplied by a utilization rate of 85%, and then multiplied by the average number of students in a class. Using this calculation the capacity appeared to be approximately 976 students.
45 rooms x 25 students x 85% = 956.25
2 (spec. ed.) rooms x 12 students x 85% = 20.40
Total Building Capacity = 976.65
This calculation assumes an average class size of 25 and a utilization rate of 85% which may be inaccurate but are reasonable assumptions lacking accurate data and are referenced in the Department of Education’s new Capital Construction Grant Application form. (The application indicates that the Council of Educational Facility Planners International (CEFPI) recommends this class size and utilization rate.)
Recommendation: The rule should be modified to require comprehensively prepared enrollment projects to establish a design capacity.
Recommendation: Guidelines for calculating the capacity of a facility should be established.
Recommendation: Comprehensive enrollment projections should be prepared by the district to establish the needed capacity. The district should get direction from the Department of Education in calculating the capacity of the project.
Once a capacity need is established, and if that need will decline over the next few years, the district should consider some alternatives to an 800-student school. The alternatives could include building a school for the estimated enrollment in 2005 and housing the overflow students in temporary or alternate facilities.
Guideline
Auditoriums – When an auditorium is provided, it should seat one-third of the ADM (average daily membership).
Rule Section 7 (i) …..Where auditoriums are provided, they should seat one-third of the school’s Average Daily Membership (ADM). Additional city or community funds, above those required to qualify for state assistance, can be combined with school funds if a larger auditorium is desired for community use.
Analysis
The project design includes an auditorium with a seating capacity of 600 or ¾ of the ADM.
District’s Response
The existing school has an auditorium which seats 500 and this is not sufficient for many of the school’s events. The auditorium is used by community and needs to be ofsufficient size to house those events.
Comments/Recommendations
In the review team’s experience, both the guideline and the district’s response are commonly encountered. Planners feel schools can be designed with auditoriums that seat a portion of the enrollment. The schools can have multiple assemblies or presentations to accommodate the whole student body. This approach meets the need for performance space, which is comparably expensive per square foot, and saves dollars.
However, many schools want to be able to seat the whole student body at once. This allows for whole school assemblies and larger audiences at school performances.
Some jurisdictions allow for joint use agreements of school facilities such as auditoriums, natatoriums, gyms, and libraries. The school will share the facility with another entity, such as the city or parks and recreation, and the other entity will help pay for a larger facility, enhancements to the facility, or maintenance of the facility.
Comment: The proximity of the existing school to the new site would make using the existing auditorium feasible. (The high school currently uses the existing field house at the new site). The new auditorium could be designed to comply with the guideline and the school could use the existing auditorium when needed.
Guideline
All classrooms for grades 9-12 shall have windows equal to or greater in area than 6-8% of the floor area of the classroom.
Analysis
The project design provides windows that equal approximately 4.5% of a typical classroom.
District’s Response
The district agreed with the guideline and intends to modify the design to comply.
Guideline
The guideline references standards of 10-18 SF per student for a vocal music classroom.
Analysis
The project design contains a vocal music classroom of 1378 SF, which at 14 SF per student would have a capacity of 98 students.
District’s Response
The guideline seems to be out of alignment with the guideline for a general classroom which provides 35 SF per student. At 35 SF per student, the capacity would be 39 students.
Comments/Recommendations
The review team concurs with the district’s response.
Guideline
The guideline for a Kiln/Clay Storage room is 60 SF.
Analysis
The design project has three rooms fulfilling this function for a total of 368 SF.
District’s Response
The district has a strong ceramics program and has more than one kiln. Clay storage should be in a separate room from the kiln to protect it from the heat.
Comments/Recommendations
The review team concurs with the district’s response.
Guideline
The guideline for the media center is 4-6 GSF per ADM.
Analysis
The project design provides 6.77 SF per ADM.
District’s Response
The district is housing two curricular programs in the media center, therefore the media center is serving double duty as a classroom.
Comments/Recommendations
The review team concurs with the district’s response.
Guideline
The gymnasium guideline calls for one competition court with two practice cross-courts. The exact GSF may vary depending on seating. The play area of the court should be 50’x84’. Seating should be 400-500 SF per 100 seats.
Analysis
The project design incorporates an existing field house which contains a competition court and two practice cross-courts, and a new gymnasium with a competition court and two practice cross-courts. The existing field house has mezzanine seating on three sides of the court (exact capacity not known) and the new gym will have seating capacity for 900-1,000.
District’s Response
The district argues that the guideline allows for one competition gym and it is only building one gym. The state should not take into account the existing gym.
Additionally the district states that it was fully utilizing the field house and the gym at the existing high school, up until it was condemned, so it is not increasing its physical education facilities. Given the Title 9 requirements for women athletes and community use of the gym, the school must have a competition court and at least one practice court to satisfy the demand. The district contends that it would be unwise to build a practice court without the capacity for some seating, consequently the increase to a second competition court is logical and a good value.
Comments/Recommendations
The district’s argument is not untypical. Sports play major role in the design of school facilities today. Sports create opportunities for the community to utilize and enjoy the school and provide after-hours activities for the students. Many community or city teams use school facilities for non-school leagues.
The review team feels there are two questions to be answered in regard to this guideline. First, what is the required level of enrollment where a school needs two competition courts (or essentially four practice courts) and cannot reasonably accommodate its athletic program, including PE classes, with effective scheduling? Second, if community use is part of the demand requiring a second gym, should the community users share in the expense of the facility?
Recommendation: The district should explore opportunities for community participation in the construction of a second gym, better utilization through more effective scheduling, and renovation of the existing gym at the existing high school site.
Guideline
Major corridors in a high school shall be 12’ wide with an additional 2’ for lockers on one side, or an additional 4’ for lockers on two sides.
Analysis
The project design has 17’ wide major corridors with lockers on one side.
District’s Response
The width of the corridors was established to allow for a passive solar heating design and to provide congregation places for students without causing congestion. The district agreed that it would reexamine the design of the corridors.
Comments/Recommendations
The width of the corridors, when added to their length and height, are responsible for a significant amount of building volume which must be constructed, maintained and heated.
Recommendation: Revise the design to make the corridors more efficient.
Guideline
The guideline for student toilets calls for providing adequate privacy without doors from the hallway. This is intended to allow staff acoustical surveillance of behavior from the hallway.
Analysis
The project design shows doors on the student toilet rooms.
District’s Response
Fire and building codes require doors on toilet rooms which open to a corridor in order to maintain the fire rating of the corridor. Doors to toilet rooms could be designed with magnetic hold-opens to satisfy the code and the guideline. The district will pursue this solution.
Comments/Recommendations
The review team concurs with the district’s response.
Rule
Section 10. Life Cycle Cost Analysis. All plans of new school buildings containing 18,000 gross square feet or more shall include a life-cycle cost analysis. This analysis shall be sent to the department with the building proposal.
Analysis
The district has not completed this analysis.
District’s Response
The district intends to submit the analysis when the design is more complete.
Comments/Recommendations
The review team concurs with the district’s response.
Guideline
The following chart presents guidelines for specific room sizes where the project design did not comply and the district agreed to comply or the review team agreed with the reasons for not complying.
|
Room |
Guideline |
Design |
Response |
|
Practice Room |
60 SF |
77 SF |
District will attempt to redesign |
|
Art Material Storage |
150 SF |
161 SF |
District will attempt to redesign |
|
Wrestling |
3,000 SF |
3,808 SF |
District will attempt to redesign |
|
Weight Room |
2,000-3,000 SF |
3,385 + 1,500 SF |
District will attempt to redesign |
|
Principal’s Office |
200 SF |
286 SF |
District will attempt to redesign |
|
Reception Area |
400 SF |
471 SF |
District will attempt to redesign |
|
Conference Room |
200 SF |
274 SF |
Sized for 18-20 occupants, Review team concurs. |
|
Record Storage |
100 SF |
120 SF |
Review team concurs. |
|
General Storage |
100 SF (varies) |
220 SF |
Review team concurs. |
|
Other Student Services |
200 SF |
319 SF |
Review team concurs. |
|
Health Room |
200 SF |
521 SF plus secretary @ 120 SF |
District will attempt to redesign |
Summary
The project design exceeds the state’s gross square footage guidelines for a number of reasons. The district should reevaluate the design and attempt to bring the design closer to compliance with the guidelines. There is some question as to the long term need for a 800 capacity school. The district should make additional efforts to develop accurate enrollment projections, and if the enrollments are going to decline, develop alternative schemes to eliminate excess capacity.
2.3 Value Analysis
Increased value can be a result of (1) a decrease in cost (while maintaining performance), (2) an increase in performance or customer satisfaction if the customer needs, wants and is willing to pay for more performance or (3) both decrease cost and increased performance. The first phase of the value engineering process is to gather data and information regarding the project. The information included:
1. School district data directly related to the Proposed Lander High School including, cultural and social aspects which may impact the project, location factors, community groups, local perceptions, project schedule, approval process, building layout, site layout and other related data.
2. Cost Data. It should be noted that the cost data was not developed in a detailed estimate for the Schematic Design Proposal. Cost data for various systems were based on relative cost data to identify major items of work and the associated costs.
3. Project drivers
4. Regulations and requirements for schools in the State of Wyoming.
5. Space Requirements – program
6. Energy uses
The schematic design proposal information and drawings were reviewed with the objective of understanding the design direction in terms of materials, systems and construction procedures.
The second phase was to review the information with a review team. The review team consisted of a civil engineer, structural engineer, architect, school facilities planner, geotechnical engineer, and an energy consultant. The review team commented on the schematic design proposal to determine relative system costs, functions and alternatives.
The third phase was to meet with the school district administration and project design team. The meeting reviewed building configuration, site, foundation, structural, mechanical, HVAC, and electrical systems. Alternatives and options were explored that would meet the function and retain value in the project.
This report is a summary of the systems and alternatives reviewed and discussed. This report also contains our recommendations for modifications that should be explored that may increase value of the project. The school district and design team should continue to seek alternatives to increase value as the design process continues.
Building Configuration
The building configuration is the shape and size of the building and relates to the building floor space. The shape and layout of the building has a significant effect on the complexity and cost of the foundation system, which in this case was a relatively expensive deep pile or pier foundation. Reducing the building perimeter will result in reduced foundation requirements, wall space and roof space.
Based on a programmed 109,479 square feet of ground floor space without the gymnasium space, the most efficient perimeter would be approximately 1,324 linear feet to 1,528 linear feet for 1:1 to 1:3 rectangular shapes. The current building perimeter, without the gymnasium space, was measured to be approximately 2,200 linear feet.
During the workshop the team discussed options of compacting the building without losing program space. The district indicated there were many design constraints, including the site, community expectations, and Wyoming standards that impact layout and floor space decisions. These include:
n The existing parking lot needs to be retained as much as possible as this was an expensive parking area to construct.
n The existing administration building needs to be retained at the present time.
n It was determined that it was desireable to attach the new school to the existing field house.
Functional Review
The following areas were reviewed:
n Circulation Space (Corridors, Commons, Stairwells, Lobbies) Much of the main corridor is single-loaded and is wider than the standard 12 feet. The additional width function is to provide for natural lighting for both first and second floor, decreased congestion, and increased security and safety.
n Interdisciplinary Collaborative Space. This space functions as a learning space and congregation space for the classroom pods. The additional space in the Collaborative Space should result in a decrease in needed classroom space.
n Common Space (Boiler Room, Fan Room, Kitchen, Restrooms). This space provides support functions for the operations of the building.
n Office Space. These are spaces for school administration and services such as nursing and counselor offices.
n Vocational Education Spaces. These are all large spaces for work areas and laboratories for the vocational programs proposed.
Options and Recommendations
The options explored for each of these areas were:
n Circulation Space.
– Reduce corridor space by reducing the main corridor from 17 feet to 12 to 14 feet. Reduces floor space by up to 2,100 square feet.
– Eliminate the extended hallway on the southeast end of proposed building extending to the fan room (H12). Reduces floor space by 1,050 square feet.
– Reconfigure building to double load hallways as much as possible. Potential floor space reduction is 1,870 square feet.
– Compact the building, adding more second floor space and eliminate the long connection to the existing field house. Potential floor space reduction is 2,720 square feet.
– Review ways to eliminate additional lobby on auditorium and use commons area as a auditorium lobby. This may be difficult because of the shallow groundwater at the site which makes it difficult to slope the auditorium floor down (below grade) from the commons floor level (grade level). Potential floor space reduction is 1,000 square feet.
n Interdisciplinary Collaborative Space.
– This space, which is located in the center of a cluster of classrooms, is intended to encourage a multi-discipline, or team, approach to teaching. This approach is additionally supported by the office space which is provided for teacher prep. However, classroom space is also provided which would allow teachers to have their prep period in their classroom. The additional space is intended to provide the flexibility for both approaches, collaborative teaching or traditional teaching. If one approach is selected, some space may be saved. Using the collegiate model may result in a potential floor space reduction of 6,400 square feet. Eliminating the collaborative space to retain the traditional teaching model could reduce floor space by 2,400 square feet.
n Common Space (Boiler Room, Fan Room, Kitchen, Restrooms).
– As design continues and the actual equipment size is selected, there is some potential reduction in size for these spaces.
n Vocational Education Spaces.
– The Vocational Education programs are very important to the learning environment locally. There is some potential that these spaces could be reduced by having multiple programs use the same classrooms. The spaces are being planned to be flexible so the uses can be changed if and when vocational programs change.
Recommendation: It is recommended that the school district continue to look for ways to reduce floor space, compact the building, and look for the most efficient layout that will reduce building perimeter while still keeping the design and aesthetic elements.
Based on the discussions, there appeared to be some ways to reduce the building perimeter and space. However, several factors have contributed to the layout and shape of the building that tend to limit the reduction of the perimeter.
n All classrooms must have window space and that will require at least one outside wall in every classroom.
n The building layout seeks to maintain the maximum amount of existing parking lot, which was expensive to construct.
n The building layout maintains the existing district administration building.
n The building layout seeks to take advantage of views and orientate the building for passive solar heating.
n The building layout seeks to isolate classroom space from other ‘public’ spaces such as the auditorium and gymnasiums.
2.4 Project Site
The project site was chosen to utilize the existing field house and the existing football stadium and track, and other play fields. Other sites were reviewed by the school district but were determined to be less cost effective than this site. The project site is near the existing high school and across the street from an existing grade school. The site provides potential access and a visual presence to Main Street in Lander, an important issue for the community. The site has a parking lot that was constructed approximately three years ago, the field house, the district administration building and the County Winter Fair Building (which is proposed to be removed).
Based on the schematic design proposal the new high school will be constructed substantially to the east of the field house. This area will have to be over-excavated and structural fill placed for a slab on grade, or a structural floor will be required. The proposed building site also contains numerous existing underground utilities.
Functional Review
The following items were reviewed:
n Site Utilities. The site proposed contains a number of existing underground utilities including high-pressure natural gas, distribution natural gas, electric, water, sewer, storm sewer and telephone. Many of these utilities will have to be rerouted or relocated to facilitate the construction of the new building.
n Site Earthwork. The existing site is three to six feet below the finished floor of the field house and one to four feet below the proposed finished floor for the new construction. This will require approximately five to seven feet of structural fill be placed to provide for the foundation as well as over-excavation to eliminate unsuitable soils.
n Parking lot, bus loading/unloading, and ingress/egress. The parking lot layout and drainage will impact the new building. Currently the storm sewer from the parking lot runs under the proposed school building. The storm sewer system is not sized for a peak storm event. Overflow from the parking lot discharges over the curb and catch basin into the existing grass area which is proposed to be near the main entrance to the proposed school. A larger storm sewer will have to be installed to reroute this flow around the school.
Options and Recommendations
The options explored for each of these areas were:
n Relocation of the Proposed High School. The proposed building could be relocated to the west side of the existing field house, which will require relocating the football stadium and track facilities. This will eliminate or reduce some costs and allow for:
– Not relocating and rerouting utilities.
– Preserving all of the parking lot and administration building.
– Allow the building to be reconfigured and reduce floor space and building perimeter space.
– Reduce the need for structural fill but will not likely change the type of foundation required for the building.
Potential savings include first floor building space (mainly corridors), structural fill, building foundations, utility relocations, relocation of the administration building, and retention of all of the existing parking lot.
The costs are the relocation of the football and track facilities.
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the
district review the potential of moving the building location and estimate
costs to see if the value justifies this alternative.
The design process involved significant community input. The community process helped to determine the proposed location and floor plan. Significant changes should be explained to reviewed with the community in order to maintain support for the project and ensure the community’s goals are still being met.
Building Architectural and Structural
The building architectural and structural systems include the walls, roof, and foundation. One goal of the discussions was to look for ways to reduce the amount of wall space, roof space and foundation while maintaining or increasing the value. The team also explored building materials and systems that would reduce costs and maintain function.
Functional Review
The following systems were reviewed:
n Walls. Walls consist of structural walls and separation walls. The structural walls are proposed to be jumbo brick and non-structural walls are proposed to be masonry for high use areas and steel stud with gypsum board for low use areas. The length of a wall relates back to the building perimeter and the height of the walls relate to the architectural design of the building.
n Foundation. The foundation proposed is concrete piers or driven piles to rock at approximately 20 feet below the surface. Piers or piles are necessary due to the unconsolidated soils in this valley. It was pointed out that most foundations in Wyoming, due to traditional construction techniques, are drilled concrete piers. The shallow groundwater at this site will require temporary casing for the drilled piers. Driven steel piles are not normally used in Wyoming and are not recommended for the site due to the shallow groundwater. It is not clear what type of foundation was used for the existing field house. The plans show a conventional spread footing foundation but the participants in the workshop did not believe such a foundation was used and was likely drilled piers and pier caps. This should be investigated further because the field house foundation appears to be stable.
n Roof. The roof on the proposed building consists of a combination of low-sloped membrane roof and pitched metal roof. The amount of roof space relates back to the discussion for building size and configuration. The type of roof relates to the span and desire to maximize the amount of pitched metal roofing due to weather extremes in the area. The district favors sloped metal roofs because they tend to require less maintenance also.
Options and Recommendations
The following options and recommendations were reviewed and offered:
n Walls.
– Main Corridor. The main corridor as proposed in very high in order to achieve natural lighting and potential solar heating. Options were discussed to lower the roof height and still achieve the functions of the corridor. A change in the roof configuration could result in a potential saving of 4,800 to 8,000 square feet in wall surface.
– Other walls. The other recommendations for compaction of the building and reducing the building perimeter will also result in reduced wall length and space.
– Wall Material. The field house is a brick exterior over a steel structure. The design team indicated they would investigate other wall systems including concrete masonry or steel structure with brick face. Concrete masonry walls may be more cost effective and can achieve the same look and color as the jumbo brick. A brick veneer over a steel structure may also be cost effective and will match the existing field house construction.
n Foundation.
– Foundation Type. It should be verified if the foundation in the field house is a spread footing or piles. This will give the designers some valuable information for the design of the foundation. The design team should investigate other foundation types to determine if they are cost effective. Some options discussed and other recommendations are:
n Deep reinforced structural slab. An alternative to piers or pile foundations is a deep (2 to 3 feet thick) reinforced concrete slab. This type of foundation spreads the building load over the entire building footprint resulting in fairly light soil loading. This type of foundation may be particularly suited to this site because of the shallow groundwater.
n Structural floor (instead of slab on grade). Using a structural floor instead of a slag-on-grade will eliminate much of the over excavation and structural fill. The groundwater will have to be controlled with drains to eliminate water from coming up into the crawl space under the structural floor
n Pre-cast concrete mono-piles. An alternative to driven steel piles where the soil is soft and groundwater is present is driven concrete mono-piles. If the conditions are such that these piles can be used there could be a cost savings over the drilled piers.
– Foundation Perimeter. The other recommendations for compaction of the building and reducing the building perimeter will also result in reduced foundation length and resulting cost.
n Roof.
– Roof Type. The proposed building consists of a combination of low-sloped membrane and pitched metal roof. It is recommended that the life cycle cost using all low-sloped, membrane roof be investigated. Low-sloped roof membrane technology has improved and does not have the same problems as old low-sloped roofs. Low-sloped membrane roofs provide for better snow management and storm water (roof runoff) management.
– Roof area. The other recommendations for compaction of the building and reducing the building floor space and perimeter will also result in reduced roof space.
The proposed bar joists and metal deck is a standard of the commercial construction industry and is most widely used. It is likely the most cost effective system and produces the best value.
The designers in this area are limited in material availability and contractor availability. Due to the public project bidding laws in Wyoming it was reported that only three to four local contractors will be able to bid this project. Out-of-state contractors will not likely be competitive due to the five percent surcharge placed on out-of-state contractors. The proposed design is focused on the construction systems used by the Wyoming contractors. This includes foundation and other building systems. It is recommended that any of the options and alternatives explored be investigated independent of the local contractors’ standards, as they may be cost effective for out-of-state contractors even with the 5 percent surcharge.
HVAC, Mechanical and Electrical
HVAC
The heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, as proposed, is a state-of-the-art system with flexibility to increase functions as necessary. The system is a hot water system with multiple boilers. Cool water will be used for cooling as well as air-side economizers. The ventilation system will use air-to-air heat exchangers to capture heat. A more detailed description of the proposed system is included in the schematic design proposal.
Options to be looked at during design include forced draft boilers versus gravity draft boilers, passive solar heating, and active solar heating. The high altitude of Lander may make forced draft boilers, and the increased efficiency, more cost effective in the life-cycle cost analysis.
Passive and active solar heating is an option contemplated for the main corridor. The type of solar collectors and distribution of the collected heat was not discussed extensively. The system could be as simple as solar energy adsorbed in the walls and space behind the windows, to a water preheating system. The design team expressed concern with investing in extensive solar heating options as the track record for the equipment manufacturers and their longevity is not good. The review team would agree that active solar systems have not performed well over a long period due to loss in product support. However, passive solar heating is a viable alternative that should be investigated for Lander High School.
Recommendation: Continue to review options and alternatives to decrease life cycle costs.
Electrical
The electrical system as proposed again is near state-of-the-art. The lighting systems proposed is T-8 fluorescent lights for classrooms, compact florescent for low height ceiling areas and metal halide in the gymnasium and commons areas. We would recommend use of T5 fluorescent lighting fixtures instead of the T8 fixtures for better efficiency and better lighting levels and color. We would recommend the use of multiple compact florescent lights (sports lights) in the gymnasium and commons area for instant on capability, higher efficiency and the ability to supply different light levels for different events.
The parking lot lighting and exterior security lighting proposed is metal halide or high pressure sodium. We would discourage the use of HPS lighting due to the poor color rendering associated with this type of light. We would also recommend the use of compact florescent lighting in these areas with cold weather ballast for instant on capability and increased efficiency. As an example a 250-watt compact fluorescent bulb will produce the same light as a 400-watt metal halide.
Power distribution inside the building will be 277/480 volts 3 phase power with local transformers to reduce line loss and reduce wire size. This is a very good system to reduce power losses and produce a clean power system for technology systems.
The intercom and telephone systems are combined for function and reduced costs. Other options discussed included increasing the flexibility in the data system through the use of wireless systems for classroom computer stations.
Summary and Conclusions
There are several options and alternatives that will increase value. Due to the fact that the project is in schematic design and there was limited cost estimate data, the review of the alternatives was limited to broad categories and systems. More detailed cost estimates, as the design progresses, will be helpful in the review of the proposed alternatives and options. As a general comment, reducing floor space and increasing the efficiency of the building configuration will have the biggest cost savings. Site constraints at the proposed location may limit these alternatives. Moving the location of the proposed building may reduce costs and increase values due to the fewer number of constraints present on the west side of the field house. Additional study must be done to determine if this will increase value.
At the present time, with the information available, it is difficult to determine the increase in value or decrease in costs. Certainly, a reduction in floor space will result in a reduction of overall costs.
2.5 Energy Efficiency Analysis
Introduction
The review team reviewed the schematic documents for energy efficient strategies. Options to increase energy efficiency were discussed with the district during the workshop. The options are listed below. In each case the proposed options will save energy. The design team must complete the life cycle cost analysis to determine if the options and alternatives are cost effective.
Building Envelope
The building envelope incorporates typical insulation values in the walls and roof, and utilizes insulated windows.
Consider the following options to reduce energy use:
n Increase the insulation R-values in the roof and walls. A cost analysis of this option should be completed.
n Reduce building space and volume. A reduction in the building space and volume will reduce the heating and cooling loads.
n Continue to review the use of passive and active solar strategies for heating needs. The existing design is configured to incorporate passive solar and the design team is considering active solar options that would not become a maintenance issue.
n Consider windows with high R-values on the weather side of building.
n Consider a training program for the building users on how to eliminate waste and the proper operation of the HVAC system. Many district have produced significant energy savings by modifying the behaviors of teachers, staff and students through training and incentive programs.
n Consider the impact on the HVAC system of operable windows in classrooms. The teachers have overwhelmingly asked for operable windows and this is not untypical. However, operable windows play havoc with the operation and balance of an HVAC system. If operable windows are used, the building users should be trained in how to minimize energy waste.
n Consider hiring a resource officer. A full or part-time resource officer can facilitate the training of the building users in energy efficient behaviors. The officer can initiate programs to save energy by working with local utilities. Many districts have saved substantial energy dollars by having the resource officer check the accuracy of utility bills and monitor energy usage for anomolies.
HVAC System
The heating and cooling of the facility is the largest use of energy in a school building. The system as proposed is a state-of-the-art system with a significant amount of energy efficiency and energy recovery systems.
The system is a hot water system with multiple boilers. Cool water will be used for cooling as well as air-side economizers. The ventilation system will use air-to-air heat exchangers to capture heat.
Consider the following items to reduce energy use:
n Increased boiler efficiency can be achieved by the use of forced draft boilers versus gravity draft boilers.
n Increased insulation on hot and cold water piping can reduce heat loss/gain.
n Review the number and capacity of the boilers to match demands with peak efficiency of boilers.
n Contact gas utility to determine if price incentives are available and negotiate cost reductions on equipment and off peak energy use.
n Maximize the use of load shedding.
Electrical System
The electrical system proposed is also a state-of-the-art system. Consider the following to reduce energy costs:
n Use T5 florescent lighting as much as possible. T5 lamps produce a high quality of light and reduce energy costs.
n Use dimmable ballasts or multiple level switching for all lights in classrooms and gyms. Dimmable ballasts or multiple level switching allow the occupants to adjust the level of light for different activities and to take advantage of natural light.
n Use sport-light compact florescent lights in gyms, corridors, commons and auditoriums. Compact florescent lights are more energy efficient than the alternatives and can be switched for multiple level lighting based on activity in the space.
n Consider daylight harvesting technology in rooms and corridors.
n Increase use of automation such as occupancy sensors. Occupancy sensors indicate when a person has entered a room and automatically turn on the lights. Sensors can also adjust artificial light levels to take advantage of natural light.
n Contact the electrical utility to determine if price incentives are available and negotiate cost reductions on equipment and off peak energy use.
n Review the use of active solar and photovoltaic systems to supplement power supply.
n Consider use of compact florescent lighting with cold weather ballast in parking lot lights and security lights.
n Use occupancy sensors on all vending equipment. Occupancy sensors do not affect the quality of the products in the vending equipment but lower energy use.
Kitchen
The kitchen is a very high energy use area. Consider the following to reduce energy costs:
n Use gas appliances as much as possible.
n Use low rinse/warm rinse technology on dishwashers.
n Use load-shedding technology to prevent startup of high electrical use appliances during building peak power use periods.
2.6 Safety and Security Review
The safety and security review is made up of a series of questions which target key issues regarding district policy, building design and site layout. The issues were identified through MGT’s ten-year experience of conducting safety and security reviews of school districts and through a review of current literature on the subject. The questions were formatted into a chart which was used to review the schematic design documents for each project. The complete chart is located in Appendix B.
The following items are issues which the project design did not resolve completely. The district’s response is included with any comments or recommendations by the review team.
Issue
Does the district have written policies related to building security?
District’s Response
The district does not have written policy or procedures, but procedures for building security are communicated to building administrators.
Comments/Recommendations
Recommendation: Building security policies and procedures should be put into writing to ensure they are clearly communicated and understood. Each school should have security procedures specific to its facility.
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