The Overbrook School for the Blind M. Christine Murphy Horticulture and Education Center is a 2000 sf net-zero-energy greenhouse and classroom. As the LEED Consultant and Building Enclosure Commissioning Agent, Re:Vision brings a holistic approach to the project. The unique requirements of a greenhouse make enclosure commissioning valuable in reducing water and energy demands. To further offset those loads, rainwater harvesting supplies some of the high water demand. A campus solar PV array has earmarked enough production to supply the greenhouse’s annual energy usage.
VITAL STATS
Certification Status
Zero Energy Certified
Version of LBC
3.1
Location
Philadelphia, PA, USA
Typology
Building
Project Area
2,090 SF
Start of Occupancy
September 2019
Occupancy Type
Educational Greenhouse
Photo Courtesy of Overbrook School for the Blind
PROJECT TEAM
Owner
Overbrook School for the Blind
General Contractor
Delran Builders Company, Inc.
Architect
Daley + Jalboot Architects, Inc.
MEP Engineer
Schiller and Hersh Associates, Inc.
Greenhouse Consultant and Contractor
Rough Brothers, Inc.
Net Zero/LEED Consultants
Re:Vision Architecture
PROJECT OCCUPANCY
It is anticipated that the building will have one full time Horticultural Therapist. Students at the Overbrook School for the Blind range in age from 3-21 years with a wide range of mental and physical abilities. The expectation is to have classes of 5-6 students plus aides rotating to the greenhouse on a pre-determined schedule throughout the day/week. Total daily visitors are expected to average between 40-50 students and staff.
BUILDING SYSTEMS INFORMATION
Wall R value
30
Roof R value
35
Floor R value
25
Windows
Fixed and operable aluminum windows
LIGHTING
Four-button digital dimmer switches are provided in Classroom 101. A single pole switch is provided in Mech/Storage 100. Vacancy sensors are provided in the Greenhouse area. All interior and exterior lighting fixtures are LED.
