Bringing together the Political Science and Economics departments, the project combines the adaptive reuse of an existing building with a new construction addition that exemplifies high performance design. Atelier Ten studied the two distinct envelope conditions to help the team refine the design into a seamless interior experience that optimizes energy performance, visual comfort, and thermal comfort.
A main project goal was to design for daylit spaces with an increased connection to natural light and views to the outdoors. Atelier Ten worked closely with KPMB early in the design process to evaluate façade design strategies that would enhance views and access to daylight for occupants while balancing thermal comfort and energy efficiency. Atelier Ten recommended a combination of exterior self-shading through an extruded curtainwall design along with increased opaque insulated areas and translucent glass to effectively limit solar radiation penetrating through the envelope, reduce cooling loads, and improve thermal comfort for occupants. The building reinforces the University of Pennsylvania’s commitment to sustainability achieving a 28% reduction in energy consumption.
Atelier Ten assisted the team through the design phases in environmental design, energy analysis, and performance requirements for a LEED Gold strategy. Studies included strategies for reduction in heat island effects, mitigation of stormwater runoff, water use reduction, and enhanced perimeter thermal comfort analysis. To complement the carefully tuned envelope, Atelier Ten recommended the incorporation of occupancy sensors in regularly occupied areas and daylight dimming controls in all perimeter group spaces to reduce energy from lighting by 20%.
