Keene State College's (KSC) Science Center received an Honor Award from the New Hampshire chapter of the AIA for creative renovation and energy conservation. KSC saved $5.5-million in construction costs on the project by working within the existing structure. The 93,640-sf project included complete renovation of the existing structure and a 37,940-sf addition housing labs for biology and chemistry. The addition increases floor-to-floor heights and utilizes low-flow fume hoods connected to an enthalpy heat recovery system.
Energy saving features on the addition include passive solar sun shades with glass on the south side, a new insulated roof, and exterior wall insulation on the existing building to maximize energy efficiency. The addition features hallway conversation alcoves, classrooms, and an open air courtyard that can serve as an outdoor classroom. The construction manager for the project was Gilbane Building Co.
