Photo courtesy of Lara Swimmer.
Seattle Academy of Arts & Sciences, Cardinal Union Building
Seattle, WA
Business Type
K-12 academic building
Size
65,500 square feet
Architect
LMN Architects
Owner
Seattle Academy of Arts & Sciences
Progress Report
- Pursuing an Energy Use Index (EUI) of 25 or lower
- 20 - 35% energy savings over code
- 50% water savings over code
- Designed to LEED Gold equivalent
The Cardinal Union Building at SAAS is a new middle school building located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle. Building Analysis Modeling through the year 2050 measured how the school could adapt to a warming climate in Seattle and achieve thermal comfort through passive design. The building features Post Occupancy Data Devices (PODDs), sensors inside playful, transparent boxes that track, store, and upload environmental conditions such as measurements of air particles, temperature, and light levels. Students and staff must make manual adjustments, helping to extend these features into learning experiences.
Special Features
The envelope is so well integrated into the air flow of the cooling system that the façade plays a vital role in keeping the building at a comfortable occupant temperature.
Classrooms are equipped with operable windows for passive cooling and natural ventilation.
Rainwater reclamation provides water for flushing toilets.
Low flow plumbing fixtures reduce water usage.
Adjustable lighting control system reduces energy use.
Window glazing performance and shading addresses external and internal needs.