Talley Student Union

Talley Student Union is one of NC State’s campus buildings certified for high performance and sustainability.

 

Gross Square Footage: 283,000

Date of Completion: December 2014

LEED Status: Certified LEED Silver

Designer: Duda/ Paine Architects + MHTN Architects + Cooper Carry, Stanford White (Engineers)

Purpose of Project: The renovation and addition to the existing Talley Student Union extended space, capabilities, indoor air quality and energy efficiency.

 

Sustainability Strategy

The new student center utilizes a sophisticated building envelope that allows in generous amounts of daylight while maintaining high energy efficiency. The new design takes advantage of the existing structure and maintains open space. Input from students was solicited during a design charette and viable ideas were incorporated into the building design.

• One of the most significant improvements is the use of a high efficiency mechanical system sized appropriately after the building was studied in a virtual energy model, which calculated energy consumption for heating and cooling.
• Building features that contribute to the efficient cladding are: reflective roofing, high performance glass including ceramic frit screening to reduce heat gain, glass fins and sun shades.
• Potable water use is reduced with an underground cistern that collects rainwater from the roof and reuses it for site irrigation.
• Rain gardens located along the north lawn slow stormwater runoff and filter it back into the water table before it is diverted into municipal storm drains.
• Native landscaping plants further reducing the need for irrigation while reestablishing habitat for wildlife.
• Brick and high albedo pavers are used to communicate the NC State brand while reducing heat island impacts.
• A sophisticated building envelope allows generous amounts of daylight into work and lounge spaces requiring less electricity for lighting.
• Indoor air quality is maintained with intakes that protect from exhaust and smoke fumes. Smoking is prohibited near entryways and mechanical intakes.
• No VOCs were used in interior finishes. All interior cleaning products are GreenSeal and applied with microfiber cloths, mops, or recycled content paper products.
• A wide array of exterior and interior environmentally responsible materials have been utilized and many are made from high concentrations of recycled content.
• The existing structure of the building was reused to reduce construction waste and the use of new materials.
• All wood used in millwork was sourced locally and certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
• Recycling sorting stations are located throughout the building and site.
• The new Talley Student Union is part of the campus transit system. Public and campus transit are located strategically to reduce the amount of automotive use.