Thomas Bell Community Center Gymnasium Addition
Owner:
City of Albuquerque
Date of Completion:
May, 2009
Building Area:
8,355 square feet
Builder's Name:
Longhorn Construction Services
The gymnasium connects to the existing building and navigates a challenging site with a 17% slope while working to provide users with an energy efficient, water efficient, and healthy recreation facility. The design was proposed to meet requirements for LEED Silver Certification which supports the Mayor’s initiative of sustainability in the design of new City Facilities, but the design team and contractor succeeded in achieving more points than thought possible and achieved LEED Gold Certification.
The gymnasium optimizes energy performance by using energy efficient light fixtures and HVAC units. The systems incorporate daylighting controls, occupancy sensors, CO2 sensors, in addition to solar panel heat exchange units. Also, all interior finish adhesives have low VOC levels which reduce the toxic gasses in the facility. The design team incorporated several innovative wastewater technologies by reducing the generation of wastewater and potable water demand, while increasing the local aquifer recharge and maximizing water efficiency within the building. This project incorporates high efficiency (1.1GPF) toilets, low-flow showers (1.6GPM) and lavatory faucets with sensor controls. A Reclaimed Water System has the showers and lavatories drain into a cistern until needed for flushing the toilets. The water savings proposed exceeds the LEED 30% water use reduction credit with a 44.3% total water savings. The project also reused concrete from the site and other City projects to create gabions to help retain the earth in planters stepping down the west side of the patio.
Cherry/See/Reames worked with Family and Community Services and presented to the neighborhood association several times to gain support and approval. As the project progressed and the Grand Opening was imminent, the City wanted to make some upgrades to the existing facility. All changes were incorporated and made prior to opening. The Neighborhood and facility staff were very pleased with the outcome.
