By optimizing the façades for thermal comfort and providing low energy conditioning options suited to the Utah climate, Atelier Ten helped the arts complex maintain comfort year-round and achieve a 43% reduction in annual energy cost.
The Beverly Taylor Sorenson Arts and Education Complex provides a collaborative and flexible environment to house dance and art studios, classrooms, offices, and performance spaces. Key energy end uses include lighting, particularly for the studios and offices, and conditioning, to maintain thermal comfort throughout the year and meet the strict temperature and humidity conditions for the dance studios.
Atelier Ten worked with the team to develop a massing strategy that provides ample daylight and to zone the building for thermal comfort and efficient mechanical systems. Atelier Ten optimized shading, fenestration and envelope assemblies for solar gain protection, daylight distribution, and thermal comfort near the façades.
Atelier Ten also analyzed detailed conditioning criteria for the studios, offices, and other space types, to inform HVAC system selection and controls. With the Utah climate in mind, buffer spaces, chilled beams, direct evaporative cooling and radiant floors contribute to the project’s energy savings.
