Project Overview

The Oregon Episcopal School new gymnasium project sought to deliver a playing area that would also serve as a resilient gathering space. As the lead energy modeler I used daylighting analysis to optimize window and skylight location along with daylighting sensors. I then performed a passive airflow analysis to create a passive cooling and natural ventilation strategy and minimize the need for conditioning systems. The final design uses automatic window actuators which are opened on one side of the building when conditions are optimal. Air is then pulled through these openings and through the bleachers, and moves up through the space to the natural turbine fans on the roof, evacuating stale, hot air from the space.

The highly efficient DOAS system with heat recovery provides backup ventilation when the passive system is not sufficient, and allows filtration if outdoor air conditions are poor. Ventilated air is delivered low to the playing area and viewing space. A radiant floor heating systems optimizes comfort in the building with very low energy consumption. Additional climate change analysis was performed to test the capacity of the system and comfort sensitivity in a worst case scenario for 30 year forecasting.

Intelligent shading analysis tested the impact of fins and overhangs to let the sun in for passive heating, and shading during peak cooling hours, allowing moderate comfort all year long with minimal mechanical cooling.