NICHOLAS MESZAROS

The proposed structure for our Net-Zero Elementary School consisted of exposed glulam and steel post-and-beam construction. The use of heavy timber is important to the project because the site is in the Pacific North West, where timber is produced regionally and in abundance, decreasing transportation costs and green-house gas emissions. Also, timber is commonly used local building industry, making it a more economically viable. It is also a renewable resource that sequesters carbon during growth helping keep down the embodied energy of the building. Exposing the structure in the interior creates an environment where the building educates the occupants. Using the building structure and design to teach about construction methods and resources provides opportunity for students to question where these resources come from and how to be responsible users. Exposing the structure, and using reclaimed wood in the interior, creates a warm and comforting space with a natural wood finish eliminating VOC finishes. Insulating walls to a targeted R-V40 and the roof to R-60 with a natural cellulose material further cuts down on excessive heating and cooling loads. Continuous insulation and siding on the outside of the structure helps eliminate excessive thermal bridging and infiltration through the building envelope, further reducing energy consumption.