eku science building sets new campus standard in green construction
July 10
As required by Omni in the construction documents, Denark Construction has collected all of the trash from the project and sent it to C&M Disposal & Recycling, a local sorting and recycling center. As a result, 18.8% of the trash has found to be wood that can be recycled, 10% is usable metals, and smaller amounts of reclaimed plastic and cardboard have been recycled. In addition, 31% of the total weight of the trash material is being used as clean fill on site, saving significant energy and money on the movement in/out of alternative forms of landfill. In all, over 1 million pounds of construction waste has been sorted and separated, setting a new precedent on EKU’s campus, which has previously not tracked this construction activity.
In a modern world where buildings account for 70% of raw materials use and 30% of waste output (136 million tons annually), the EKU Science Building seeks environmentally conscious use of materials and resources in several other ways as well. The exterior of the building is comprised of approximately 50% brick, 40% zinc, and 10% concrete, all of which are manufactured within 500 miles of the construction site. The use of recycled woods and masonry also reduces environmental impact.
The Science Building, which has been privately toured by several campus groups including President Doug Whitlock, and is on schedule to be completed September 2011. See construction happening live on the the project web cam!
gctc offers students new high-tech, sustainable training center
July 10
Some of the key sustainable features of the new Center designed by Omni Architects include the use of low-e insulated, fritted glass and exterior sun shades on the south façade of the building to reduce cooling demands and generous use of light wells throughout the building bring natural light into interior spaces. Building systems incorporated by Paladin, Inc. offer a number of energy saving strategies including energy recovery from lab exhaust systems, time of day scheduling of HVAC equipment and lighting zones, and use of high-efficient, direct-drive air distribution fans with variable speed control. The site has been master planned in partnership with M2D Design Group for future buildings as the Boone Campus becomes the primary campus for related projects.
The Center includes an integrated factory-like advanced manufacturing instructional area, and also includes a library, learning center, faculty and staff offices, and GCTC's administrative office suite. Gathering places for informal student learning are incorporated throughout the building.
See more photos of the new GCTC Center for Manufacturing Competitiveness in our portfolio.
omni to take part in Lexington’s growing commitment to recycling
July 10
In 2007, the Lexington Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG) adopted a zero waste approach to provide focus to the Lexington’s recycling, composting, and waste reduction programs. A key component of this approach is the design of a new stand-alone MRF that will have two single-stream processing lines with an approximate capacity of 25 tons per hour each and will accommodate both commercially and residentially generated recyclable commodities.
To be located adjacent to the Division of Waste Management (also designed by Omni) in the Old Frankfort Pike Corridor, the MRF will encompass roughly 70,000 square feet of warehouse space and 10,000 square feet of office area. It is the first step in developing a campus approach to house recycling facilities and an environmental education center where Lexingtonians can learn more about LFUCG’s recycling programs and observe the recycling process itself. In addition, a Household Hazardous Waste Facility (HHW) may be eventually located on the site.
RRT Design and Construction, who has been working with LFUCG Division of Waste Management since 1998 to provide and improve recycling programs and processes will lead the design team, working closely with Omni and J.R. Miller and Associates of Lexington. RRT is a national expert in solid waste processing systems and recycling facilities, and has designed 22 Materials Recovery Facilities all over the nation. A key role for Omni will be to ensure the facility has an aesthetically appealing design that complements the equine structures of the surrounding area. Omni will also take the lead on facilitating public meetings to gather community feedback and input into the design process.
According to LFUCG, Lexington currently processes 22,000 tons of recyclables each year. A waste stream analysis from 2009 revealed approximately 70 percent of materials that are thrown away could be recycled or composted. Nearly 350,000 tons of waste from Lexington is transported to landfills each year. The city recently announced the expansion of its Manchester Street recycling center, which includes installation of $3.7 million in new equipment to support single-stream recycling. This change to single-stream, which took effect on June 1, 2010 means residents no longer are required to separate glass from their other recyclables- the new equipment does this for them.
addition gives distinct identity to eku program of distinction
July 10
Inside the building, the sprawling complex offers faculty and students places to gather for learning and lounging including a student lounge area and 11 faculty offices overlooking the small lake behind the building. Student advising and alumni services offices are housed in a large suite at the building entry. A dedicated event space dubbed the "hub" is adjacent to the lobby and can facilitate lectures, job fairs, and other College events. Breakouts areas for larger visiting groups can use the new multi-level 80-seat classroom, graduate seminar room, multimedia intensive 46-seat classroom, and adjacent seating areas. The College’s Distance Education and Multimedia Services will benefit greatly from the new, nearly soundproof video recording studio and adjacent production spaces. Infrastructure is also given an upgrade with new electrical, communications, and fire alarm lines designed by CMTA Engineers allowing for future expansion of the buildings systems.
Outside the building, gathering areas include a new front plaza and a 2-level rear patio seating overlooking the lake. The addition’s exterior materials palette matches the existing building and offers an updated look to the 73 year-old facility with the incorporation of high performance glazing.
Though several sustainable strategies were used in the addition, such as low-emissivity glass and ENERGY STAR compliant roofing, the most important sustainable strategy was improving the usability of the existing complex as opposed to building a new one. During construction, contractors will be required to complete a waste management plan for demolition materials with a minimum goal of 50% salvaged or recycled.
With the bid opening scheduled for July 9, construction will begin August 1, enabling the new space to be open for classes beginning the Fall 2011 semester. Check out a brief video highlighting the upcoming building improvements on the EKU website.
sam halley inducted into aia college of fellows
June 10
The AIA Fellowship program was developed to elevate those architects who have made a significant contribution to architecture and society and who have achieved a standard of excellence in the profession. The elevation to fellowship is conferred on architects by a jury of their peers. Nominees must have at least 10 years of membership in the AIA in one or more of the following nomination categories:
- Promoted the aesthetic, scientific, and practical efficiency of the profession
- Advanced the science and art of planning and building by advancing the standards of architectural education, training and practice
- Coordinated the building industry and the profession of architecture through leadership in the AIA and other related professional organizations
- Advanced the living standards of people through an improved environment
- Made the profession of ever-increasing service to society
Throughout the years, AIA has recognized Sam’s extraordinary leadership. He was presented the highest award that AIA Kentucky bestows, the C. Julian Oberwarth Award (equivalent to AIA’s Gold Medal) in 1992 for his “ . . . long-standing commitment to the betterment of the profession.” He won the AIA Kentucky Distinguished Service Award in 1986. He also received the AIA Student Medal upon his graduation from the University of Kentucky School of Architecture in 1966. Read more about Sam's career achievements.
Sam was joined at the investiture ceremony by Larry Leis, FAIA, (pictured above on right) is sponsor and a former Chancellor of the AIA College of Fellows; Janet Pike, Executive Vice President of AIA Kentucky; Brent Davis, Executive Director of AIA Southern Arizona; and his wife Suzanne.
appalachian regional health to expand hazard hospital
June 10
The Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center, which recently earned Chest Pain Center Accreditation from the Society of Chest Pain Centers, is a 308-bed, acute-care and psychiatric hospital. ARH also operates hospitals in Harlan, McDowell, Middlesboro, Morgan County, South Williamson and Whitesburg, Kentucky, and Beckley and Summers County, West Virginia.
uk gets stimulus funds to renovate research lab
May 10
Omni Architects, who assisted the University in applying for the grant, was awarded the project in April, in partnership with Jacobs Consultancy. Jacobs Consultancy is a New York based firm who has provided lab planning for 17 of the top 20 research universities, giving UK access to best practices in lab design from all over the nation. The Omni design team, led by Eric Zabilka and Don Adams, is working closely with NIH to meet their design guidelines and grant requirements, including submitting documentation to the agency at the end of each design phase.
new biology labs at UK open
February 10
Newly recruited researchers in the University of Kentucky Biology Department began using freshly renovated laboratory space designed by Omni Architects this semester. Located on the second floor of the Thomas Hunt Morgan Biological Sciences Building, the research labs used a modular approach reconciled with building's existing structural grid so that the same laboratory layout can be repeated down the length of the building in future renovations.
Biology students also recently began using renovated teaching labs in the basement of this building. The Omni design team, led by Omni Principal Eric Zabilka, redesigned four basement research laboratories with no exterior windows into useful instructional space through use of innovative indirect lighting. The ceiling space and all overhead utilities are painted white to brighten and lengthen the space. The furniture is configured using modular utilities so they can be reconfigured to suit each instructors' unique teaching approach.
The teaching labs also features a high degree of embedded technology including high resolution zoom cameras over the demonstration benches so students can digitally capture demonstrations in real time to use for future study.
See more photos and a full project description.
omni gives holiday donation to united way
December 09
nku student union featured in Architectural Record
December 09
