Add as a preferred source on Google

Modular Building of the Month Announced for July 2014

  • 07/08/14

Modular Building Institute recognizes modular construction innovation in relocatable classroom construction in this project by Anderson Anderson Architecture in San Francisco, manufacturer Blazer Industries, Inc. of Aumsville, Oregon and Hawaii Modular Space of Kapolei, Hawaii.

Modular Building Institute is pleased to announce that the July 2014 Modular Building of the Month is Energy Positive Portable Classroom in Ewa Beach, Hawaii. This classroom was designed by Anderson Anderson Architecture in San Francisco, manufactured by Blazer Industries, Inc. of Aumsville, Oregon and installed by Hawaii Modular Space of Kapolei, Hawaii. This 1200 square foot classroom was constructed in 762 days and is easily relocatable, even to remote areas. Details on the project can be found here: Energy Positive Portable Classroom.

This revolutionary temporary classroom solution uses natural light and recycled insulation materials as well as an energy-efficient HVAC system to have minimum environmental impact and maximum contribution to a healthy indoor environment. The design focuses on performance issues directly impacting the learning experience of its occupants and the environmental quality of its community—thermal comfort, natural daylighting, indoor air quality, energy and resource conservation and generation.

The design optimizes photovoltaic roof surface orientation, naturally shaded north-facing daylight glazing and modulated natural ventilation which is then balanced with manufacturing and transport efficiency, functionality for classroom use, low operating costs and ease of maintenance. It provides excellent interior thermal, lighting, and acoustic performance based on current research in optimized learning environments, as well as electrical systems designed for contemporary and future digital teaching expectations.

The structure’s steel frame and steel/rigid foam sandwich panel floor and roof system are designed to minimize material use, maximize insulation and heat reflection, and deter pests and mold in the cavity-free structure. A simple double-wall metal cladding, along with metal roofing shaded by solar panels above a three-inch ventilated airspace, creates a ventilated double skin greatly reducing heat gain. All glazing is operable and north facing and/or shaded to prevent direct sunlight, and to optimize natural ventilation and comfortable airflow. Interior surfaces are low-VOC products. Exposed beams are FSC certified glue-laminated timbers combined with steel trusses to trace primary structural forces. Interior surfaces are naturally finished, low-VOC materials to provide good interior air quality.

For more information about the Modular Building Institute, upcoming conferences or the Partners in Education program, visit www.modular.org.

Featured

  • FAU Starts Construction on Holocaust and Jewish Studies Building

    Florida Atlantic University recently began construction on a new academic building for its campus in Boca Raton, Fla., according to university news. The Kurt and Marilyn Wallach Holocaust and Jewish Studies Building will stand two stories, measure in at 22,000 square feet, and play home to the university’s Holocaust education and Jewish studies programs.

  • Tennessee State University Gains Approval for New Engineering Facility

    Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tenn., recently announced that it has received approval from the Tennessee State Building Commission to build a new engineering building on campus, according to a university news release. The 70,000-square-foot, $50-million facility will play home to the university’s engineering programs and the Applied & Industrial Technology program.

  • textured paper collage shows a school building on fire as a fire truck sprays water into the flames

    Why a Fire Loss Is More than Flames

    We've all seen what fire damage can do to a property, but the types of damage building owners often encounter after a fire loss can exceed expectations. Having full awareness of the different forms of damage properties can sustain helps owners respond faster, reduce continued damage, and get back on the road to recovery in short order.

  • UNL Kiewit Hall

    Designing for Engineering Excellence: Integrating Sustainability and Wellness at UNLs Kiewit Hall

    Kiewit Hall at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln exemplifies how academic institutions can integrate sustainability and wellness into modern learning environments. With an integrated and collaborative team approach, Kiewit Hall addresses enhanced learning and creativity, physical health, and mental wellness, and fosters a sense of community through innovative design, operations, and policy solutions.

Digital Edition