Harm A. Weber Academic Center
By "Power Source" - The official newsletter of the Northeastern Illinois Labor Management Cooparative Committee
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The impressiveness of the new Harm A. Weber Academic Center at Judson University in Elgin extend, far beyond its super clean lines, exposed concrete floors and ceilings, and stunning architectural detail. The true art of this structure is in its "green" qualities - elements that combine the "natural technology" of rising heat, shielded windows, and emanating sun rays, with the "high technology" of photovoltaic panels, photo-sensors, and automated system controls. The building, which also houses the Architecture Department and Library for the University, serves as a lovely and most inviting entrance to grace this institution of higher learning.
A complex project that has spanned over the past two years, the Judson University Academic Center was completed in late summer by a closely knit team made up of construction manager Shales McNutt Construction, IBEW contractor Kellenberger Electric and IBEW Local Union 117 electricians. Its structural design features a natural air flow scheme that utilizes the natural buoyancy of warm air, as well as a wind driven chimney-effect that draws air out of the building, to provide air flow during approximately six months of the year. The natural air circulation system eliminates the need for mechanical fans, and works together with the concrete floors and wall panels (which serve as heat sinks) to help moderate temperatures throughout the building. The building was also designed with deep window pockets along its sides that directly face the sun. The windows serve to minimize the direct sunlight entering the building during the warm months, so as not to add to the heat load already being addressed by the cooling systems, yet at the same time maximize the indirect sunlight entering the building, so as to work in conjunction with the electrical lighting.
The electric lights themselves have photo-sensors to automatically shut off the lights if there is already enough natural light in the public spaces. Individual offices have occupancy sensors to automatically shut off lights in the room is not occupied, as well as two-stage lighting that allows the occupant to use less electrical light that full strength.
The very photogenic bank of photovoltaic (PV) panels uses the energy derived from the sun to deliver power to the electrical systems. These solar panels also capture and funnel the sun's heat into an exhaust plenum that helps drive air flow through a portion of the building.
The building automation system (BAS) includes an LCD monitor located in the main lobby that displays real-time information about the building's energy usage, the energy savings at any given time, and the type of mode the building is currently in - cooling, natural ventilation, or heating.
According to Shales McNutt Construction's Vice President of Field Operations, John M. Shales, the unique combination of natural and high technology, and the implementation of alternative energy systems installed by NECA/IBEW members, make this building a model project for the construction industry, the Northeaster Illinois community, and the nation. "The marriage of low-tech ideas such as natural air buoyancy, shaded windows to minimize direct sunlight, chimney-effect air movement, and concrete structure as a heat sink, to high-tech systems, such as photo-sensors, PV panels, and BAS controls, is truly the innovative aspect of this project, and is easily repeatable in other buildings," said Shales. "To my knowledge, this is the only building in the county that is using this scheme for natural air flow as well as using the heat off of the PV panels to drive air flow through the building. Kellenberger Electric and the IBEW did an outstanding job of working efficiently through the project even as the design was being adjusted to maximize the energy efficiency. They were one of the contractors on-site that really had a team attitude about getting the project completed."
Working to incorporate the sustainable aspects of the building into its design and function, and installing the systems that made the natural technology-high technology combination a happy marriage, was true team effort. The building's structure and lighting automation were key components to harvesting natural daylight in order to minimize energy usage for lighting as well as reduce energy costs associated with cooling. The photovoltaic system was a contributing factor for providing energy for the building. Kellenberger Electric and the IBEW electricians worked to successfully complete the electrical systems and provide alternative energy solutions that would result in environmental preservation, energy conservation, and cost savings. "Not only did Kellenberger have a competitive price," continued John Shales, "but they also have a great track record in the area as well as with Shales McNutt Construction. We were very comfortable and confident that they had the personnel and ability to complete the project efficiently. Now that the project is complete, I can say that they even exceeded my expectations in terms of having the manpower available when required, having a top-notch superintendent on-site that kept the project moving forward even when issues arose, and having the involvement of the company owner to make sure decisions were made in a timely and fair manner."
Kellenberger Electric's President Tim Kellenberger was more than happy to provide the electrical proficiency and professional management to make this sustainable project a success. Tim Kellenberger credits his company's responsiveness to the client, the skilled group of electricians provided by IBEW, and the valued working relationship with Shales McNutt for the success of the Judson University project. "IBEW Local 117 has always provided us with professional electricians to complete projects and continue our growth," said Tim Kellenberger. "We worked hard to provide the proper manpower for the project, meet all the deadlines for the concrete pours and inspections, and provide the electrical solutions for the sustainable building. Kellenberger Electric has been associated with, and worked for, Judson College - which is now Judson University - for over 10 years, and we have had the pleasure to work with Shales McNutt for 17 years. Both Judson University and Shales McNutt are extremely cooperative, and they are dedicated to helping their subcontractors complete their work successfully. And IBEW Local 117 has always been there to help. I am proud to be a union contractor and a member of Local 117."
The electrical work itself entailed special requirements and some challenges that were specific to this project. The building is 95% pre-cast concrete, which required that all the conduit raceways be concealed within the concrete, and the electrical boxes be cored into the pre-cast in order to prevent them from being exposed. All the lights and fire alarm devices were placed using lasers to obtain precise location. And the photovoltaic system had to be precisely connected in order to provide electrical service to a portion of the building as well as to harvest heat from the PV panels that could be used to aid in the heating-venting-air conditioning (HVAC) system. Occupancy sensors and automatic lighting controls were installed to work with the light sensors and BAS system.
"We installed all the power for the electrical and lighting systems, the piping for the phone and data system, the fire alarm system, and the wiring for the motorized window screens," said Jim Gould, Kellenberger's Project Foreman and Superintendent of the Judson project. "Local 117 electricians also installed all the projectors, data systems for the eight classrooms, and computer-controlled interactive lecterns." Gould, who supervised a team of six electricians, also worked hands-on the project. "We worked very closely together and with the customer," said Gould. Throughout the electrical construction process, Kellenberger Electric met the challenges and responded to the customer's needs.
"The work that our contractors and electricians performed on the Harm A. Weber Academic Center will bring in architects and engineers from all over the world to learn how to use 'green' design in practical and cost-effective ways," stated Dr. Jerry Cain, President of Judson University. "We are proud that we can showcase the work of our local IBEW electricians and union electrical contractor Kellenberger Electric in this on-of-a-kind facility."
In addition to its sustainability and cost efficiency, the Academic Center and its Architecture Department will serve as an educational example for future projects. "What a great facility to learn in and hopefully carry key aspects into their future work," says John Shales. Adds Tim Kellenberger, "Judson University is a perfect place to build a 'green' building and help protect and save our resources."