U.S. Green Building Council, Maine Chapter

The Maine Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council is MaineÕs foremost coalition of leaders from across the building industry working to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work. Our vision is to create a sustainable built environment in Maine.

« Jul 2008 »

= USGBC Maine Event

News

>> National News

>> USM Child & Family Center Wins Silver LEED Rating

>> Building awarded first LEED-CS certification in Maine

>> USGBC awards Platinum Certification to first home in Northeast

Featured Project

The Foster Student Innovation Center, at the University of Maine, was created as an incubator for knowledge-based business ventures that will lead to the creation of new Maine-based industries through University research and development. Oak Point’s goal was to provide a stimulating environment that fosters innovation and creativity within a solution that encompasses a vision for the future through adaptability and green design.

One approaches the north side the building low through tall trees entering into an unexpectedly lofty interior that features an open-air team workspace, private work rooms, a conference room, a seminar room, offices, and an “inspiration space” that looks out onto the surrounding natural environment. The building sits on what was the University’s last undeveloped track of land. The challenge was to preserve the character of the site through careful building orientation, striking a balance between site disturbance, solar orientation, and the visual approach. Windows offer broad views to the surrounding natural areas to 98% of the occupied spaces. 46% of construction materials were manufactured within 500 miles of the project site and 91% of construction waste and land clearing debris was recycled or diverted from landfills. Occupancy sensors control lighting systems. Radiant floors, low-flow fixtures, daylighting techniques and efficient lighting provide water and energy savings. Recycled, rapidly renewable, and low-emitting materials and finishes were used throughout a flexible interior that features modular furniture systems and retractable glass walls that can be opened or shut to combine or divide various spaces.

Oak Point Associates, a full service architecture and engineering firm, has offices in Biddeford, ME and Portsmouth, NH. For more information, visit us on the web at: www.oakpoint.com.

LEED Standing: Silver LEED-NC

Architect: Oak Point Associates
kroseberry@oakpoint.com