Discovery. Design. And the People Who Make it Personal.
This is TSP’s approach to every project.
But how can we truly know if we have excelled in the eyes of our client? In the case of South Dakota Army National Guard’s Barracks and Education Building 802 at Camp Rapid we have tangible proof, Gold.
After TSP’s completion of the initial design in 2003, Building 802 was placed on hold due to lack of funding. In 2008, TSP was authorized to update and redesign the facility to achieve LEED Silver certification as directed by the State of South Dakota. The team was required to re-engineer the mechanical and electrical systems, reconsider previous site design options and modify the building envelope. TSP architects, engineers and interior designers, applied strict attention to detail throughout the LEED process turning hopes for Silver into Gold.
As a mixed use facility comprised of classrooms, office areas, a large auditorium, and private and dormitory style billet rooms for soldiers training at Camp Rapid, Building 802 created a challenge for the team. Interpreting LEED regulations and corresponding application for each function of the building required immense coordination. With total commitment and cooperation from the Army National Guard, TSP was encouraged to explore all possibilities.
- LEED Gold features of Building 802 include:
- Bike storage and shower facilities for full-time employees
- Preferred parking for carpool and fuel-efficient vehicles
- Reduced building footprint preserves open space surrounding the building
- Bioswales and detention ponds filter rainwater run-off
- 100% of site paving is concrete to minimize urban heat island effect
- 85% of roofing is light colored to minimize urban heat island effect
- Landscape and irrigation design reduces potable water usage for irrigation by 81%
- Plumbing fixtures reduce water use by 24%
- 22% of the total material cost is comprised of recycled materials
- 46% of the total material cost is comprised of regional materials
- Low-VOC adhesives, sealants, paints and carpets were used throughout the interior of the building
- 90% of all regularly occupied spaces offer views to the outside and improve user experience
- Operable windows provide enhanced thermal comfort
- 97.4% of waste was diverted from the landfill during construction
As a result of environmentally conscious choices, the building’s energy efficiency was improved by 40.7%. Had details been overlooked or team members complacent with ‘good enough’ this would be another LEED Silver building. But that’s what separates good design from great design and LEED Silver from LEED Gold.