Masonry Magazine February 1979 Page. 4
Eight ingenious ways to save energy, even in a bitter cold New Hampshire winter.
This is the new Norris Cotton Federal Building in Manchester, New Hampshire. Here, where the winters are long and icy, energy conservation is a must.
Today, in fact, the federal government is setting performance standards for energy conservation in all of its buildings. This one was specially designed as a prototype to demonstrate many energy-saving features.
To the architects, Nicholas and Andrew Isaak of Manchester, this was an unusual design challenge. The material selected was masonry.
Because masonry has the mass and density to make it more thermally efficient than other materials, it keeps heat in during winter months and heat out during summer months. According to the General Services Administration, this masonry building is estimated to save 53 percent of the energy that would be used by a conventionally constructed building of the same dimensions.
Now, read about some of the design features of this building that can save energy and money on other buildings:
1. The shape, as cubical as possible, minimizes wall area exposed to elements-unlike more traditional rectangular buildings.
2. The massive north wall has no windows, and core elements (stairs, elevator shafts, toilets, etc.) are located adjacent to north wall. This, of course, is a masonry wall.
3. The window area is only 12 percent of the other three walls.
4. The mass (weight) of the masonry exterior walls (100 lbs. per sq. foof) takes maximum advantage of thermal storage. Walls are granite veneer, insulation, 12-inch concrete block.
5. A light-colored roof serves as heat reflector.
6. Windows are shaded by fins. Fin size varies with orientation of facade.
7. The lighting systems are designed for minimum impact on inside heating and cooling systems.
8. Solar collectors, which augment the heating system, have been installed on the roof. If you would like more information on the energy-saving performance of masonry, write IMI.
Nicholas Isaak and Andrew Isaak, Architects
Davison Construction Co.
Local 6, New Hampshire, BAC
International
IMI Masonry Institut
M
823 15th Street, N.W., Suite 1001
Washington, D.C. 20005
(202) 783-3908