44
/ BUILDING DIALOGUE / SEPTEMBER 2015
and cost savings. Starting with an existing structure (lower-
ing the amount of energy required to construct the build-
ing), high-density foam was used to seal the flooring and
places where thermal heat loss is known to occur. A vampire
switch that reduces the building’s power to its most basic
need when no one is there was installed to conserve energy
at night. Energy-efficient windows were installed through-
out and passive solar energy occurs through the central atri-
um. One of the main benefits for larger citywide energy sav-
ings is that at times when Gilpin is adding electricity to the
power grid, by powering immediate neighboring electrical
loads, this reduces the need for electricity to travel long dis-
tances across the grid and conserves greater resources.
The Gilpin project demonstrates myriad ways renewable
energy can be integrated and implemented with intention.
While each project inherently possesses different specifics
and economics, there typically are several opportunities to
incorporate renewable energy or energy conservation. The
best way to find out is to talk with your next building part-
ner.
\\
/ Designing for Renewable Energy /
Photos by Brooks Freehill
PREVIOUS PAGE:
Original barrel ceiling and bowed support
structure is revealed after sand blasting.
ABOVE TOP:
Recovered geothermal dial
ABOVE BOTTOM:
Full spectrum daylight provides optimal
interior conditions. The view is from the back
looking forward through the central atrium.
RIGHT:
Letting the outdoors in, the central atrium
supplies passive sunlight and a connection
to nature for building inhabitants.
