The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh’s six-month-old, $48 million, sustainably designed and built academic building has sprouted three new solar arrays in its parking lot. The technology was installed April 27.

The photovoltaic solar panels, which resemble flower petals on stalks, will convert the sun’s energy into electricity for the 191,000 square foot building complex.

“All of the power generated will provide energy for Sage Hall,” UW Oshkosh Director of Facilities Steve Arndt said.

The solar system features three pole-mounted arrays in Sage’s parking lot that involve a sun-tracker system, Arndt said. Each of the three poles contains equipment that allows the panels to adjust, following the direct course of the sun horizontally and vertically throughout the day, maximizing the harvest of solar energy.

Lake Michigan Wind and Solar produced the arrays. Each unit generates 2.5 kW of power, for a combined of total 7.5 kW. Arndt said. The estimated annual kilowatt-hour (kWh) production of the technology is 12,167 kWh, or approximately one-and-a-half times the average electricity consumption of a residential Wisconsin home in 2010, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

UW Oshkosh is no stranger to solar technology. The University remains Wisconsin’s number one user of solar thermal panels, the type of panels that capture the sun’s energy and use it to heat water and buildings.

Learn more from Arndt in this summer 2011 video profiling the University’s reliance on solar energy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Cv3-YzXhLNU

Sacred Heart Hospital has kicked off a three-year, $20 million project intended to enhance patient comfort and give the 48-year-old medical center a much different look.

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Building on the success of the Cath Lab Suite Remodeling project, Berners Schober has continued to utilize Revit in other remodeling projects, as well as new building projects.  In the coming years, Berners Schober will transition to using BIM at some level on nearly every project that comes through the office.

In the Spring of 2012, St. Mary’s Hospital in Decatur, IL will begin construction on its third cath lab, on the north end of the sixth floor, and new private prep/hold rooms.  Stay tuned for in-progress pictures!

Respecting the building’s vintage without giving a retro look, the design had to appeal to current and future students. Adhering to the philosophy “Form follows function,” materials were selected that are appropriate for the space, attractive, durable and easy to maintain. Choosing finishes that reflected the overall design of the campus was important when considering adjacencies such as the beautiful existing campus architecture, and the exterior views of these buildings.

Students immediately benefit from the larger, updated classrooms, as well as comfortable, contemporary lounge spaces. The buildings are laid out in a way that is more conducive to modern student life. Educators also benefit from the larger classroom sizes and updated A/V equipment. The design avoided materials requiring excessive, energy intensive maintenance, or harsh chemicals.

Special note:  Wastecap Report: 91% recycling rate for construction and demolition and 71.3% landfill diversion rate.

Related Links:

1. UWGB “Inside” Campus News Article
2. UWGB “Fourth Estate” News Article
3. Project Overview Powerpoint Presentation

Other unique design elements consisted of a celebratory visitor entrance, curved glue laminated wood beams, daylit office space, clerestory glazing, an employee plazawith stormwater water feature, and sculptural interpretive signs.

“The building will be a symbol of the importance we place on protecting the natural resources that sustain us.” ~ Department of Natural Resources, Secretary, Matt Frank

The design team worked with the state and DNR staff to develop a final design theme and program for the site. The theme was expressed through the integration of the landscape in and throughout the building, acting as a seamless design and educational element for the site. Stormwater was held on site through the use of bioswales, rain gardens and detention basins, all circuitously linked together in a ribbon of green. This ribbon of green acted as the site’s unifying aesthetic element.

“The composition I designed incorporated the Tree as the unifying element for the mission words and figures. The Tree seemed to me to encompass and enhance the intent of the art piece meaning. The piece is made of the following woods:  The base is solid walnut. The branches are laminated walnut and genuine mahogany. The tree foliage is figured cherry. The figures are bird’s-eye maple, and the letters are tiger maple. The wood is all finished in a natural Danish oil, and then a satin lacquer finish applied. The piece is signed with my custom wood-burned signature, and dated (on the back side.) The bottom has felt as to not mar the surface it is on. Approximate size is 38” wide by 31” tall by 5” depth.”

The only criteria of the artwork is that it needed to include the Salvation Army’s mission words: “ENCOURAGE”, “ENRICH”, and “STRENGTHEN,” as well as the human icons from the Kroc Center’s logo.  The final piece adds additonal warmth and symbolizes a facility already woven together with the elements of harmony and diversity in nature and humanity.

The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh assembled several videos that paved the way for those touring Sage Hall during the dedication ceremony last week.  Ian Griffiths from Berners-Schober narrates while discussing the sustainable elements, the building features and the design intent.  Berners-Schober partnered with architectural firm VOA Associates on this project as well as the new residence hall, Horizon Village, which is currently under construction at UW Oshkosh.

“Sage Hall, UW Oshkosh: Elegant, functional courtyard serves many purposes”

“Sage Hall, UW Oshkosh: Efficiency, sustainability went hand in hand”

“Sage Hall, UW Oshkosh: Building features next-gen, high-tech lecture halls”

“Sage Hall, UW Oshkosh: Building furthers campus commitment to solar energy”

Please enjoy the following images taken at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh ~ Sage Hall dedication ceremony on Friday, September 23rd.

2-year Time Lapse Construction Video:

Article from “UW Oshkosh Today” publication.

The new addition provides the Botanical Gardens with two multi-purpose spaces for wedding receptions, conferences, meetings and classroom functions.  Because of the new accommodations, after a wedding ceremony in the gardens, the reception no longer needs to be scheduled off site.  The key design elements for this space are the view of the gardens and the flexibility to accommodate a myriad of events.  In addition, a private, daylit office wing combines staff into one singular location where in the past, their offices were disjointed and within the visitor space.

The link between the existing facility and the addition, designed with the visitor in mind, is intended to be an extension of the pathways that weave throughout the gardens, continuing the visitor back on their path upon exit.  Accommodating large masses during the winter “Garden of Lights” was one of the major drivers for a simple and efficient visitor flow. Next winter, guests will enter on the main level to buy tickets, enjoy the attraction, and congregate in the newly renovated visitor center where they may enjoy conversation and refreshments.

The renovation of the existing Visitor Center updates the reception area, brings more visualization to the gift shop, and adds a sophisticated yet minimalistic fireplace for warmth and gathering.