Center for High Performance Environments
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- Roof Integrated Photovoltaic Panels United Solar Ovonic & AcrylifeMarks, Ross (Virginia Tech. Center for High Performance Environments, 2004)The purpose of this thesis is to design a system for integrating United Solar photovoltaic panels to an Acrylife polyvinyl chloride membrane to be used on low-sloped roofs. There are several issues that have to be examined when combining the two products. Attaching the panels to the roof becomes an issue due to the nature of PVC. Simple adhesives will not maintain adequate bonding for the desired product life of twenty years. The method used to attach the photovoltaic panels to roof becomes an issue if an adhesive cannot be developed to last the desired lifetime. Next is the issue of the electrical connection of the photovoltaic panel. What that connection is, and how it is made will play a critical role in the versatility of the system. Wiring also becomes an issue when looking at the scale of implantation on the roof. How the wire runs will be organized and what that system will be. The final issue is organizing all the solutions into one viable solution, which is code compliant and financially feasible.
- Research Topic: Architectural Decision Framework for Integrating Technology in the Classroom EnvironmentElmasry, Sarah K. (Virginia Tech. Center for High Performance Environments, 2007-09)The primary goal of this research is to define different state-of-the-art instructional technologies, how they map and address different pedagogical models and instructional goals, and how they might influence architectural systems in an integrated scheme.
- Research Topic: Building Integrated Photovoltaic Roof MembraneMarks, Ross (Virginia Tech. Center for High Performance Environments, 2004)This research is focused on the development of an integrated roof membrane and photovoltaic solar panel system. The goal is to have a final product that can be installed as a typcal low-slope roof membrane, yet function as a solar array.
- The Union of Learning, Environmental Science and Architecture(Virginia Tech. Center for High Performance Environments, 2007)This design project envisions a space that supports learning about architecture and environmental science.
- Shenandoah Valley Discover Museum(Virginia Tech. Center for High Performance Environments, 2007)A design project for the proposed Shenandoah Valley Discover Museum.
- A Prototype for a Manufactured Vocational Technology Classroom(Virginia Tech. Center for High Performance Environments, 2007)A collaborative design project for a proposed vocational technology classroom. The project team included the Center for High Performance Learning Environments, GE Modular Space Division and Montgomery County Schools.
- High Performance Case Study: R.D. and Euzelle P. Smith Middle School Architect’s Statement Site Shading Environmental Systems Learning Technology Architecture Design Constraints(Virginia Tech. Center for High Performance Environments, 2011)Open plan of the building and day lighting conditions are the initial emphasis. In a typical classroom with the light monitors located in the center, meter readings averaged approximately 55fcs. Interior light sensors keep the classrooms at a balance point by automating the overhead fluorescent lighting. Motion sensors turn off the lights when rooms are not occupied. Shading strategies include aluminum shielded light shelves and angled reflectors on the exterior niche of each concave window location. Design strategies include rain water reclamation and some active solar panels. Storm water runoff collected from the roof to an exterior niche of each concave window location. Design strategies include rain water reclamation and some active solar panels. Storm water runoff collected from the roof to an exterior underground tank to be filtered and used for sinks and water closets. Active solar collectors are strategically placed on some of the light monitors. Solar tubes are used for reclamation of hot water for hand washing use in the cafeteria. Photovoltaic collectors activate the night lighting system at the exterior porticos.
- A New Regional Environmental Learning Center, Franklin County, Virginia(Virginia Tech. Center for High Performance Environments, 2005-09-23)This is a design project for a proposed Regional Environmental Learning Center in Franklin County, VA.
- Solar Decathlon 2002: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University(Virginia Tech. Center for High Performance Environments, 2002)A team of architecture, engineering, and industrial design students created a 2002 Solar Decathlon house that successfully combined the three disciplines.
- High Performance Case Study: Mel and Zora Rashkis Elementary School at Meadowmont(Virginia Tech. Center for High Performance Environments, 2011)An architectural case study of Mel and Zora Rashkis Elementary School at Meadowmont in Chapel Hill, NC.
- Toronto Mountain Equipment CooperativeGrant, Elizabeth J. (Virginia Tech. Center for High Performance Environments, 2007)An architectural case study of Toronto Mountain Equipment Cooperative in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Chicago City HallGrant, Elizabeth J. (Virginia Tech. Center for High Performance Environments, 2007)An architectural case study of Chicago City Hall in Chicago, IL.
- Ford Dearborn Truck AssemblyGrant, Elizabeth J. (Virginia Tech. Center for High Performance Environments, 2007)An architectural case study of the Ford Dearborn Truck Assembly Plant in Dearborn, MI.
- Life Expression Chiropractic CenterGrant, Elizabeth J. (Virginia Tech. Center for High Performance Environments, 2007)An architectural case study of the Life Expression Chiropractic Center in Hazleton, PA.
- Woodward AcademyGrant, Elizabeth J. (Virginia Tech. Center for High Performance Environments, 2007)An architectural case study of Woodward Academy in Atlanta, GA.
- Montgomery Park Business CenterGrant, Elizabeth J. (Virginia Tech. Center for High Performance Environments, 2007)An architectural case study of the Montgomery Park Business Center in Baltimore, MD.