Architect

Integrated Architecture
4090 Lake Drive S.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49546
www.intarch.com

General Description

Location: Grand Haven, Michigan
Date Bid: Aug 2007
Construction Period: Sep 2007 to May 2008
Total Square Feet: 2,300 Site: 48 acres (state park).
Number of Buildings: One (one completed of three planned).
Building Size: First floor, 2,300; total, 2,300 square feet.
Building Height: First floor, 16’; total, 16’.
Basic Construction Type: New/VB (5B).
Foundation: Cast-in-place, reinforced concrete, slab-on-grade. Exterior Walls: CMU, brick, polycarbonate glazing. Roof: Metal, SIPS (structurally insulated panels). Floors: Concrete. Interior Walls: CMU, metal stud drywall.

Construction Team

Structural Engineer: JDH Engineering Incorporated - 3000 Ivanrest, #B, Grandville, MI 49418
General Contractor: D & K Engineered Construction, Inc. - 1975 Waldorf N.W., #C, Grand Rapids, MI 49544
Mechanical & Electrical Engineer: Integrated Architecture - 4090 Lake Drive S.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49546

"Our design mission was to aggressively address environmental and sustainable attributes while creating practical facilities that would complement each park's unique natural beauty," said Mike Corby, AIA, LEED AP, who led Integrated Architecture's design of the project. The state's initial proposal request mandated that the new facilities would:

1. Be environmentally responsible, meeting Michigan's green initiative standards, utilizing sustainable, renewable energy as much as possible.
2. Create a positive experience that park clients would remember and share with friends and family.
3. Blend with the surroundings and look like they belong in the park.
4. Respect the earth and fit into the landscape.
5. Utilize sustainable design to educate users about green facilities and the environmental savings they offer.

Integrated Architecture's mechanical engineers studied options for heating, ventilation, plumbing and electrical systems that ranged from wood fired boilers to natural ventilation, waterless urinals and wind turbine generated power. Each alternative included supportive information and was either "recommended", "not recommended", or listed as "possible". Architects and interior designers followed suit with building materials and finishes.

The Phase 100 study included, but wasn't limited to, wind turbines, geothermal heating, composting toilets, grey water reclamation, solar photovoltaic panels and solar hot water heating. "We looked at many different types of solar systems and finally chose a film photovoltaic system, Silicon panel PV, to assist in powering the ventilation system. We also created a building that maximizes natural light. Translucent plastic panels in the upper third of the family shower rooms and bathrooms bring light deep into the building," Randolph Pease, NCARB, and member of the project design team stated.

Final recommendations included avoiding heating systems whenever possible, and if required, limit them to a small portion of the building using condensing boilers and in-floor radiant heat with a goal of achieving 95% efficiency. Plumbing recommendations featured proven commercial technologies such as low flow urinals, battery powered electronic sensor faucets, 1.5 GPM showers and on-demand water heaters rated above 90% efficiency, grouped together with one heater serving 3 showers. These suggestions were used to create standard specifications and an adaptable, modular, prototype design that could be adjusted to serve large and small parks.

"The design intent was to sandwich the shower and bathrooms between three massive masonry walls that mimicked the nearby lake breakwater walls. With the masonry walls taking the brunt of the wind and sand energy, the infill would support light, minimal material that would then define the shower and toilet rooms," Pease stated. "The pitch of the roof and its Southwest orientation was perfect for the PV solar panels."

Besides the natural lighting and solar powered ventilation the facility also offers energy efficient electric lighting with occupancy sensors, timer-controlled showers, no/low VOC finishes, high recycled content block walls, sinks, counter tops and toilet partitions. It's also handicapped accessible and family friendly. The facility offers private showers and shower/toilet rooms suitable for family or individual use.

The state's second green latrine is being designed for Otsego Lake State Park, a 90-year-old state park with 60 large shaded campsites near Gaylord, Michigan.      

Manufacturers

DIV. 4: Brick: Interstate Brick, Besalite Block.
DIV. 6: Structured Insulated Panels: PorterSips®.
DIV. 7: Metal Standing Seam: Metal Sales; Cement Board Siding: James Hardie.
DIV. 8: Entrances & Storefronts: Specialite; Polycarbonate Panels: Extech.
 

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