Bowditch Greenhouse

Project Description
By renovating the existing greenhouse and constructing more than 15,700 square feet of additional laboratory and greenhouse space, the project will provide much needed teaching and research facilities for the Plant, Soil & Insect Sciences Department.  The LEED-registered project (targeting a Silver rating) is scheduled for completion in August, 2011.

Design Overview
The project design balances the historic, agrarian character of the University's roots with the spirit of cutting-edge plant research. The project is composed of two major parts: Greenhouse and Laboratory.

The Greenhouse is an efficient glass and steel research facility.  Sophisticated automated systems control natural and artificial lighting, temperature, humidity, irrigation and fertilization, adapting the interior environment in response to the sun, the wind, and the weather.  The facility maximizes research capability and provides an open, flexible environment for introductory botany instruction.

The Laboratory harmonizes with the Greenhouse, its form suggesting a modern reinterpretation of a New England barn.  Project interiors have a simple, minimal character in keeping with the overall agrarian style.  The Laboratory is a sophisticated research facility, featuring two research labs, a wet/dry classroom for botany instruction, and a core facility for seed germination.  The laboratory also contains the primary mechanical infrastructure for the entire project.

Sustainable Features
The new facility replaces a cluster of obsolete and damaged existing greenhouses, including French Greenhouse and several small greenhouses adjacent to Bowditch Hall.  A unique stormwater retention system surrounds the project.  On all sides, a wide bed of gravel is required to isolate the greenhouses from surrounding native plants and grasses (a research requirement) and to allow access to critical greenhouse equipment (a maintenance requirement).  It also acts as a retention basin, avoiding the need for expensive and disruptive underground cisterns.

Sophisticated heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning equipment mitigate project energy use.  The laboratory air handling unit has an enthalpy wheel energy recovery system.  Modular chillers and a hybrid cooling tower maximize efficiency and opportunities for "free cooling".  Sophisticated automated HVAC controls in the laboratory minimize wasted energy due to laboratory safety ventilation.  Daylight and occupancy sensors in the laboratory maximize lighting efficiency.  The greenhouses use sophisticated automated controls and evaporative cooling equipment to maintain the research environment for plant growth with a greatly reduced energy use (vs. a conventional greenhouse).

 

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