University of Vermont

Budget: $8.9 Million

Location: Burlington, VT

Architects: Black River Design

Scope: The Given Courtyard Infill project consisted of a new four-story building located inside an existing glass-roofed courtyard in the Given Building. The project consisted of 25,000 sq. ft. of office space with additional smaller renovations. 

We completed multiple rounds of energy modeling to determine life cycle cost-effective approaches to glass roof modifications and HVAC systems selection. We also completed a computational fluid model for the smoke control system design. The mechanical system selected for the project was an under-floor air distribution system that utilizes an existing modified air handling unit to provide air distribution. The project also includes an atrium smoke control system, daylight-controlled atrium lighting, and occupancy sensor-controlled lighting throughout. The project included the implementation of energy recovery ventilation to provide more efficient conditioning of the buildings ventilation air. 

The lighting design achieved a 48% reduction in connected electrical load over the energy code requirements. The project is achieved LEED Gold certification and an honor award for the best of the best in commercial building design by Efficiency Vermont.