Archives

Longwood University Jarman Hall

Project Highlights

  • First capital project in the state of Virginia to achieve LEED® Gold rating
  • Innovative specification of magnetic-bearing chiller technology
  • Designed a uniquely coordinated MEP system for state-of-the-art university auditorium

Project Description

Jarman Hall is one of the largest auditoriums in south central Virginia, but it was beginning to show its years. Its outdated heating and cooling system was making so much noise that it distracted from the audibility and popularity of the space. In addition, demand for auditorium space was surpassing its seating capacity. EKFox was asked to join the project team because our of our expertise in higher education and our track record of working in tandem with architectural, theatrical, and acoustical consultants, as well as our experience with the Bureau of Capital Outlay Management (BCOM).

Project Challenges

During the project, the Governor of Virginia issued an executive order requiring all capital projects in the state to achieve LEED® certification within the existing budget.

Overcoming the Challenges

EKFox was able to help the project achieve the goal of LEED® certification without exceeding our budget. Our resourceful implementation of a magnetic-bearing water chiller, a relatively new innovation with HVAC systems, enabled us to meet the needed noise reduction levels and lower power consumption targets. Not only did we helkp accomplish the goal set by the Governor of Virginia, but Jarman Hall is recognized as the first LEED® Gold capital project in the state.

Notably, our design cost modeling realized a 48% energy cost savings above the project’s baseline model.

“Major system renovations in existing buildings almost always represent significant design challenges, but the most satisfying part of the Jarman Hall renovation was achieving a 48% annual energy cost savings beyond the code mandated for the system in the renovated building.”
—Benjamin W. Crowley, PE, LEED AP – Mechanical Engineering Department Head

GMU Arlington Campus, Phase II

How do you ensure a challenging project stays the course? By providing an education in effective coordination.

Project Highlights

  • EKFox’s second LEED®-certified NC higher-education project
  • Seven-story, 250,000 square-foot building on a small urban footprint
  • Innovative critical power solution

Project Challenges

In a tightly constructed urban environment, the power source of an adjacent property flowed through the garage of the George Mason University’s Arlington campus construction site. One of the critical tasks for EKFox was to design a ventilation system for the four-level basement that would enable the adjacent property’s utilities to remain operational through construction. This was just one of the many challenges in this multifaceted project.

Overcoming the Challenges

EKFox was chosen for this project to step in and shepherd the design to completion after conceptual design had been finished. EKFox was able to ensure positive results while assisting with various aspects of the building beyond the garage, including the classrooms, auditoriums, cafe, TV studio, and common spaces.

The cornerstone of this successful project was keeping the project on-track through close coordination with various stakeholders. With designated funds set years in advance, EKFox was able to adapt to the continuously evolving needs of the users’ technology updates and energy conservation requirements. Upon completion, this project was Certified LEED® under the New Construction Version 2.2 category. The GMU Arlington Campus stands as one of the most vibrant spots on the block, a facility that visibly captures the energetic academic environment. EKFox was intimately involved in realizing the vision of this gleaming academic structure.

“Contributing to the ongoing development of centers for learning is a key element of our corporate values.”
—Blair A. Jost, P.E. – President