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| Lake
Side Center
Development
Plan for the Raystown Field Station |
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| Introduction |
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The new field station is being developed in cooperation
with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and in accordance
with the project mission and objectives identified
in the Academic Plan prepared by the Academic Planning
Committee of the RFS. It is also worth noting that
the plan supports the Raystown Lake Project Master
Plan. In addition to satisfying academic objectives
of Juniata College, the facility will support the
outreach and research efforts of other organizations. |
| Program
and Design Parameters |
The
program developed for the project reflects academic
components, as well as time and resource allocations
identified in the Academic Plan. These include:
* Undergraduate Curriculum (45-60%)
* Research and Training (30-45%)
* Outreach (10%)
The facility will provide for year-round educational
programs available to all students of the College.
Students will reside on the RFS site for a full
semester, thereby facilitating a total immersion
experience. Elective course work will be conducted
on site, precluding the need for students to commute
to the main campus. Research in terrestrial and
aquatic ecology and watershed science will be accommodated.
Provisions also will be made for on-going and future
research programs. To further strengthen the College’s
outreach mission, the new field station will provide
laboratory capabilities for the region, offering
programs and access to interested parties.
Design issues will continue to evolve and be further
defined through Master Planning efforts. Parameters
being considered that will ultimately shape the
final facility features include:
* Best energy and water conservation practices.
* Profiling resource and technology uses, and faculty/student/staff
participation in the selection and implementation
of methods.
* Sensitive integration of buildings into the landscape,
leading to a facility that meets functional objectives
but has minimal impact.
* Creation of opportunities for an immersion experience
in the natural environment.
* Passive solar design (daylighting)
* Use of local materials and products with low embodied
energy.
* Use of materials that are recycled and recyclable.
* Re-use of existing furnishings/equipment salvaged
from Campus.
* Simplicity in design.
* High quality indoor air.
* Operation & maintenance methods that also
conform to environmentally sustainable practices.
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| Conceptual
Site Development |
| We
have selected the "Meadow Site" on the
northeastern point of a peninsula north of Allegrippis
Ridge, approximately 3,400 feet northeast of the
existing field station. Criteria considered during
site selection included proximity to the lake, favorable
slope, infrastructure development costs, expansion
potential and remoteness from the existing field
station. Parameters that led to the proposed configuration
for development include: |
| Our
multi-story building design will result in fewer
independent structures, thereby reducing ecological
impact. These structures have been carefully sited,
and will be built along natural contours to minimize
land disturbance, address accessibility issues,
consolidate circulation paths, and maximize daylighting
potential to both upper and lower floors. |
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| Building
Concept Development |
| Primary
design considerations include placement of multi-story
buildings along the slope, and accessed on south
side via bridges allowing for daylighting of lower
levels, optimal solar orientation, transparency
of the buildings from north to south, remaining
below tree height, and maximizing views of lake
to the north. |
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| Building
materials include masonry at building bases for
thermal mass and durability, with wood frame construction
above, and metal and composite roofing materials
for longevity and fire resistance. Quality insulated
windows will be used throughout the facilities to
achieve the maximum level of thermal efficiency.
The total gross area of all buildings currently
planned is approximately 25,000 ft2. The buildings
include: Dining
Hall/Multipurpose Building (6,000 ft2), will be
designed for maximum seating of 100 at tables.
Views of the lake are maximized to the southeast,
east and north while the support core (kitchen,
storage, bathrooms) is located to the southwest
minimizing solar impact. The lower level will
house water treatment facilities. The dining hall
is the first building being constructed on the
site. |
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| Classroom/Lab
Building (10,000 ft2), will be two-stories and include
classrooms, computer area, study spaces, separate
research and teaching laboratories, and offices.
A lounge, library, reception area will also be considered.
Sun penetration and ventilation are environmental
aspects that require further study with the lower
level offering potential for housing a Living Machine
wastewater treatment system greenhouse. A small
service elevator is proposed to achieve accessibility.
The Facilities Committee will ultimately determine
the number of labs and classrooms based upon projected
need. Two
(2) Housing Buildings (4,700 ft2 each), are proposed
to accommodate twenty-four (24) residents per
building for a total of forty-eight (48) beds.
The buildings are three stories with four (4)
single sleeping rooms on each floor. Four (4)
students will share a bath and common living space.
Sleeping rooms are located on the east and west
ends of the unit. Transparency north to south
will optimize daylighting and maximize views of
the environment. Open stairs, decks and a bridge
entry at mid level are proposed. Accessible apartments
will be located at bridge and/or ground level.
The Committee is currently evaluating the configuration
of the proposed housing units in comparison with
models currently available on Campus. |
| Utility
Infrastructue and Systems |
| Sustainable
technologies will be incorporated to the greatest
extent possible while recognizing budgetary constraints.
In addition to utility infrastructure (water, wastewater,
power), the buildings will be equipped with high
efficiency lighting, energy efficient heating/cooling
systems, and support equipment to further demonstrate
a sustainable philosophy. Remote
monitoring of site and building systems is feasible
and common with today’s technologies. The
level of monitoring will be determined once project
systems are more fully defined. Further definition
of the specific systems to be employed at the
station will occur during the Master Planning
efforts for the project. Considerations governing
the design and development of utility systems
may include:
*
Possible development of a greenhouse / "Living
Machine" in the classroom/lab building.
* Use of composting toilets.
* Seasonal control of drip irrigation is possible
as well as zoning may be used to accommodate periods
of varying flows and support future expansion..
* Plumbing fixtures will meet or exceed the energy
code for low volume usage.
* Site lighting will be provided only as necessary
(for security and safety). Features will include
cut-off optics to minimize effects of light pollution
within the natural environment.
* Buildings will be heated using hotwater / boiler
systems fueled by propane with low NOX burners.
"Bio-fuels" (via efficient fireplaces
and/or woodstoves) will provide back-up heating.
* Lighting will utilize energy efficient sources
designed to optimize layouts based upon the required
program; design will maximize the use of daylighting.
* Wireless LAN communication will be set up throughout
the field station.
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| For
more information: |
Academic
Plan
Feasibility
Study |
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