Andrew H. Wilson Elementary School in New Orleans had been serving the children and community of the Broadmoor neighborhood since 1907, until 2005 when the historic building was sadly flooded and damaged during Hurricane Katrina. As a result of the efforts of the Louisiana Recovery School District and the Broadmoor Improvement Association, the local landmark is being restored and improved, with the existing structure renovated and new facilities added. The Recovery School District has high expectations for both education environment and sustainable features; the facility is a charter school and expected to achieve LEED Gold certification.
The renovation and addition to Wilson Elementary School is an example of the Recovery School District’s community commitment, and is meant to set a new standard for New Orleans school construction. The project’s healthy, sustainable school design provides the Broadmoor neighborhood with both an excellent learning environment and a valuable public center. Designed as a partnership by HMS Architects of New Orleans and Innovative Design, Inc. of Raleigh North Carolina, the school features a comprehensive and well-integrated set of sustainable design strategies that include:
Site Design that responds to the context of an urban neighborhood and solar orientation.
Stormwater Management reduces runoff more than 50% from pre-development.
Integrated lighting design with both daylighting and high-efficiency fixtures.
Solar technology, both as solar thermal water heating and photovoltaic panels.
Energy-efficient building shell construction
Efficient water use with rainwater catchment and irrigation, and low-flow fixtures.
High-performance mechanical and electrical system design.
Priority on indoor air quality management.
Sustainable materials: priority on local, recycled, and existing material resources
Performance standards assured by systems monitoring and commissioning procedures.
LEED Gold certification (in process).

Supporting these goals are grants and assistance from the Clinton Global Initiative, Global Green Initiative, United States Green Building Council, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

After Hurricane Katrina, the State of Louisiana decided to strategically place multiple Louisiana Army National Guard facilities around the state in order to decrease their response time after natural disasters. The Louisiana Army National Guard Readiness Center Covington, completed in July 2008, is the first of fifteen Army National Guard Projects completed in Louisiana. The new 30,000-square-foot home of the 1021st Engineer Company and Detachment 1 of the 843rd Engineering Company occupies 3.4 acres in Covington, Louisiana. The facility is designed to serve two-hundred part time National Guard troops and five full-time staff, and houses administration offices, an assembly hall, training classrooms, a fitness room, locker rooms, kitchen, recruiting center, family support center, and security vault.

The design-build team of HMS Architects and Citadel Builders LLC, both of New Orleans, Louisiana, worked closely with the client to provide a facility that would meet all of their programmatic needs and the stringent design criteria of the National Guard for anti-terrorism force protection achieving a SPiRit Gold Rating and LEED Silver Certification. The primary function of the facility is to provide administrative, training, and material storage areas for assigned military units. The secondary function is that it be utilized in support of state functions such as disaster relief and policing actions in case of civil disturbance. The tertiary function is to provide for military and community social functions.

The project was administered with the design-build project management approach due to the limited time constraints resulting from special funding appropriated from Congress. The design started in September 2006; construction began less than six months later in February 2007 and was completed in the following seventeen months. The design-build method provided the architect and contractor an advantage by allowing early collaboration on construction methods, materials, and design ideas. Through architect/contractor collaboration, the project was designed with minimal wall types and fewer varieties of carefully chosen interior finishes further reducing construction time. The result allowed for many phases of the traditional design-bid-build method to be eliminated, saving valuable time.

The final building design was integrated into an existing semi-rural site. An outdated, unused meeting facility and an old readiness center were demolished making room for the new development. Particular attention was given to protecting the existing live oak trees that surrounded the site. New trees were added providing an extensive landscape screening between the building and its residential neighbors. The newly planted trees will also gain LEED points through reducing the heat island effect of the large paved surfaces. A large rainwater retention pond was also added to the site, alleviating much of the storm water run-off due to the increase of site paving for the military vehicles. To further minimize the rainwater run-off, grass pavers were placed at the fifty-six public parking spaces near the front of the building. The pavers challenged the design-build team to innovatively developed a solution to reduce the cost of the pavers by implementing a poured in place paver system in lieu of the traditional individual pavers.

The overall building design is comprised of a low unobtrusive one story brick and steel building approximately 240 feet by 107 feet set back 100' from the street as required by National Guard guidelines. The largest portion of the building, the 5,700-square-foot assembly hall, was tucked into the back of the building, minimizing the large volume from the street view. The assembly hall's main overhead doors open up to the local fairgrounds behind the property, allowing it to serve as a joint-use facility for military and civilian events. Several smaller secondary buildings on an adjacent tract of land are used for vehicle maintenance, hazardous materials storage, fuel tanker parking, and vehicle wash-down.

A majority of the design focus was given to meeting the stringent Anti-Terrorism Force Protection (ATFP) requirements of the National Guard, while still allowing for the building to be designed to SPiRit and LEED Silver Guidelines. Careful attention was given to selecting durable materials that would minimize operational cost and still meet the sustainable criteria of SPiRiT and LEED.

The primary exterior building materials consist of concrete block and brick masonry walls with a 4-inch air space, R-19 rigid board insulation, and membrane waterproofing. The glazing system is insulated tinted and reflective glass that meets both the ATFP blast resistance and the International Building Code – 2003 large missile (hurricane) projectiles criteria. Translucent Kal-Wall is used as the clearstory glazing on the assembly hall walls, bringing natural glare-free daylight into the large volume. A light colored, high reflectance roofing system was chosen for the standing seam metal roof with double folded seams over insulation on a heavy gauge structural steel deck. The roofing system is designed to resist 120 mph hurricane force winds. Exterior Doors consist of insulated galvanized steel doors and frames, aluminum and glass doors and frames and rolling insulated overhead doors, all designed to meet the ATFP Blast Ratings and IBC-2003 requirements for “importance factor” for buildings. Due to these robust construction materials and methods, the facility can safely be designated as a refuge center during natural disasters.

The use of durable, sustainable materials continued into the interior finishes of the project. The interior partitions are CMU and a minimal amount of gypsum board on metal framing. Interior finishes consist of sealed hardened concrete floors in the assembly hall, mechanical and electrical equipment rooms, storage rooms, locker rooms, heated storage rooms and supplemental areas. The more formal look of terrazzo flooring is provided in the entry lobby, adjacent offices, main corridor, break room, library, and classrooms. Low-VOC Carpet is provided in the administrative office area. Ceramic Tile is provided in the toilet and shower rooms (walls and floors). Low VOC paint was used on all painted surfaces throughout the facility.

In order to understand both the building massing and solar effects of the daylighting strategies, the design team created several three-dimensional models. To study the effects, the design team completed multiple design options illustrating the lighting distribution for various roof monitor configurations. The studies provided innovative design solutions for achieving a high level of indirect natural light to the majority of the primarily occupied spaces. The chosen design incorporates twelve strategically placed roof monitors allowing natural light into the deepest areas of the building. As a result, the administration offices, physical training rooms, break room, restrooms, and shower rooms all receive ample natural lighting.

Large expanses of window were used in the offices and classroom spaces to maximize daylighting. These windows are fitted with exterior sunshade devices to block all but winter sun angles, thus minimizing direct glare and solar heat gain through the windows. On the interior of these windows, lightshelves were added reducing the direct glare and increasing reflected natural light further into the spaces. These innovative lighting strategies help mitigate the need to use excess lighting to perform basic tasks associated with the spaces.

The resulting design produced a strong, sustainable facility that will serve its country and local community while continuing to function through nature's harshest times. The project success is a direct result of innovative solutions through successful project collaboration with the owners, users, design teams and contractors.

In these days of escalating energy costs and post-hurricane rebuilding on the Gulf coast, an affordable, environmentally sustainable house is not just a good idea but a necessity. The BeauSoleil Louisiana Solar Home aims to address these critical issues and more. As one of only twenty Universities in the world participating in the Department of Energy's Solar Decathlon 2009 competition, TEAM BeauSoleil of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette is meeting these challenges head-on on a worldwide stage. The BeauSoleil Louisiana Solar Home is a regionally-appropriate, affordable hybrid of passive and active energy systems. The BeauSoleil Home will generate all its power from roof-top solar cells, collect its own drinking water from rainwater harvesting and heat the water with solar energy. Structural Insulated wall Panels (SIPS), low-energy appliances and lights and a highly-efficient air-conditioning system will reduce overall energy use.

Please help them win by joining TEAM BeauSoleil! This monumental two-year project requires intensive research and development. Due to the fact that we will only receive partial government and university funding, TEAM BeauSoleil must raise an additional $400,000 in cash and in-kind donations which will not only fund the home, but also other project costs such as house transportation, warehouse rent and team travel to name a few. Please consider becoming a Pine Tree ($1,000,) Crepe Myrtle ($5,000,) Magnolia Tree ($10,000) or Live Oak Partner ($25,000.) We also offer complete Corporate/Private Room Sponsorship ($40,000) with full naming rights and project placement opportunities. So become a partner to support the development of an affordable, 'green' housing prototype and help TEAM BeauSoleil win the 2009 Solar Decathlon! Ultimately you are investing in both the future and in our Louisiana lifestyle. Visit their website or call 337-482-6225.

Amid nearly 250 celebrants on July 8, 2008, the green ribbon was cut and tours commenced at Louisiana House – Home and Landscape Resource Center (LaHouse) – a permanent sustainable housing and development educational exhibit, attraction and outreach program of the LSU AgCenter, funded largely by gifts and donations from more than 250 supporters. It was created to provide a one-stop source of research-based information on here-and-now solutions to the challenges of the gulf region climate, natural hazards and environment – from low-cost to premium options.

The Resource Center was strategically designed to demonstrate five integrated benefits – resource-efficient, durable, healthy, convenient and practical – its criteria of sustainability, and standard for a “high performance” home and landscape. In mid-construction when Katrina and Rita struck, LaHouse was ironically at the perfect stage to be a teaching tool of storm and flood resistance – so the original timeline changed. Thousands visited to see and learn and more than 200 educational outreach activities were conducted across the region.

The exhibit house includes 4 different green, high performance building and foundation systems, three high efficiency space conditioning systems and a wide variety of materials, products and technologies with green, healthy and low-maintenance characteristics. The layout and interiors exhibit “universal design” concepts and family-friendly features that accommodate diverse and changing needs and abilities. LaHouse demonstrates Building America, ENERGY STAR, Healthy Home, Green Building, as well as Fortified for Safer Living program guidelines. Some of the green features you can see in LaHouse are: southern climate passive solar design;
insulation alternatives, including recycled cellulose, cotton and vegetable oil based foams; an array of Energy Star high-efficiency, yet appealing lighting fixtures, windows, doors, and appliances; geothermal heat pump, dual fuel air source heat pump, tankless water heater, hydronic heating systems and efficient low-loss distribution systems; indoor air quality measures – dehumidifiers, controlled fresh air, sealed combustion fireplace, low VOC paint; low flow, high performance toilets, showerheads and faucets; rainwater harvesting, cistern, future rain garden and rock reed water filter bed; long life, cool roofs – heat reflective painted metal roofing, ventilated concrete tile, radiant barrier decking; locally grown hardwood interiors, domestic porcelain tile, linoleum, cork, recycled carpet tile floorings; concrete with recycled fly ash and slag; engineered structural wood products, southern pine and borate and non-metallic preservative treated woods; low waste advanced framing, panelized and insulating concrete form building systems; low maintenance, long life claddings and trim; reclaimed wood and domestically made furniture, and more.

The sustainable landscape has eight exhibit areas that feature various low-input plant materials, regional horticultural practices, storm water management practices to prevent non-point source pollution, integrated pest management, a wood treatments demo deck and more.

LaHouse is open to the public.
· Wednesdays 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
· Thursday and Fridays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
· Saturdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Extension sustainable housing educational outreach program of seminars, result demonstrations and events will continue to expand – for consumers, building professionals and youth.

A newly updated Building Your High Performance Home – Gulf Region Homeownesr Guide is available in print ($15) and its content is free online at www.LouisianaHouse.org (My House link) along with the LaHouse photo gallery of construction features.

A new LaHouse Online Training Center was launched with a video library and interactive online continuing education courses taught by national experts, available 24/7 on Best Building Practices for the Gulf Region and Wind Resistant Construction -- as well as the new Gulf Region High Performance (GRHP) Home professional designation for professionals who complete a core program and demonstrate knowledge on the GRHP test.

“It’s not about building a home of the future”, commented Dr. Claudette Reichel, Professor of housing who lead the center’s development, “It’s about shaping the future – with homes and landscapes that are not only beautiful and marketable, but that also: keep comfort affordable while helping America achieve energy independence; save money, time, toil and grief by preventing damage and loss from hurricanes, floods, termites, mold and decay; create healthy and safe living for people of any age; protect our environment for future generations; and thereby benefit our communities, our nation and our world.”

LaHouse Resource Center was made possible by the generous support and involvement of many. Major sponsors include Mrs. Paula Garvey Manship, Entergy of Louisiana, the Borate Treated Wood Alliance of U.S. Borax, Osmose and Louisiana Pacific; Building Science Corporation, the Louisiana Home Builders Association, Roy Domangue (LaHouse builder) and Roy O Martin Lumber Company. The U.S. Dept. of Energy and La. Dept. of Natural Resources are primary partners.

For more information about LaHouse Resource Center, its programs and sustainable housing and landscaping, visit www.LouisianaHouse.org

The residence at 43 Neron Place was designed by Concordia Architects to conform to the most current best practices in environmental and sustainable design. Building materials include ash based concrete, bamboo floors, recycled paper and cement countertops, hardi-plank wood fiber and cement siding, e-rate glass and double insulated windows and doors with integral blinds and other sustainable products. Landscaping will incorporate principles of permaculture design using all native plants.

Heating and cooling is provided through a hybrid of passive and active mechanical systems. The passive systems include day lighting provided by clerestory windows on the first and second floors. Overhanging “eyebows” and deep porches provide summer sun shading. Other passive systems include an extensive cross - ventilation system activated by a “vessica” shaped open stair at the center of the house. The stair opening creates a natural cooling "chimney" that channels the flow of air vertically through all three stories of the house to discharge through an attic fan and roof louver at the peak of the roof. Input is provided through 24 motorized vent windows in located in the clerestories and dormers on the third floor. The passive system will operate during hours when the external wet bulb temperature is within the comfort zone. During other times, heating and cooling will be powered by five 300 foot deep earth contact geo-thermal wells tied to a water source heat pump. The roof is reflective metal and steeply sloped (on the west and north), encouraging negative pressure across the louver and dormer windows (drawing air up through the house) and also (on the south and east) to increase the surface area for rain water collection and more than 700 square feet of photovoltaic and solar hot water panels, which will cover the full triangle of the roof facing south. A 1200 gallon wooden cistern tied to an integrated rooftop rain water collection system will provide water for toilets and irrigation.

The building is also a stylistic hybrid. Included in the design are elements of the neo-classical, local vernacular and modern architectural idioms. The first floor is mostly open, like a traditional Creole cottage with wide (10 and 12 feet deep) porches, both open and screened. The primary roof slope is derived from solar inclination. All rooms are proportioned using sacred geometries that include classical harmonic relationships of 4x4; 4x6; 3x4, etc. The dining room is a perfect circle. All of the rooms are consolidated within a central cube which has its primary elevation in the proportion in a golden rectangle. Both plans, elevations and sections of the cube are ordered by a rigid 4 foot module.