Construction on solar powered residence set to begin

The construction of the new solar-powered residence hall is slated to begin this summer. The dorm, a 55,000 square foot building located between Professors Row and Talbot Avenue, will house 150 students and integrate the latest in energy-efficient technologies.

The Solar Residence Hall comes as part of a larger initiative to reduce emission of greenhouse gasses and educate Tufts students about energy, energy technologies, and climate change.

"Now is an opportunity to put our money where our mouth is," said Project Manager for Tufts Institute of Environment Sara Creighton.

In what Creighton said will be the first time that such a combination of energy saving technologies are installed in Massachusetts, the construction plans will require the removal of three existing houses prior to construction.

Completion of the project is scheduled for the fall of 2004.

All infrastructures for steam, electricity and telecommunication will enhance environmental safety. For example, the integration of solar hot water is expected to reduce energy use by 45 percent.

"This is exciting new design territory and it will be a good reflection on the University," Architect Steve Dadagian said.

High performance windows will enhance efficiency, resulting in decreased stress on air conditioning units.

The design team will seek accreditation for the project with the US Green Buildings national rating system, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), which measures buildings against independent standards.

As a means of promoting careful energy consumption, monitors that display energy consumption in the building will remind faculty, staff and students of the combined effectiveness of solar heat and power, project designers said.

The new residence is one of Tufts' first initiatives to promote a greater intellectual climate on campus, according to Task Force director Gilbert Metcalf. In a system similar to the one present in Tilton Hall, a faculty member housed in an apartment on the top floor of the residence will be at the disposal of the students living in the dorm. A programming budget that will allow for activities within the dorm will aim to create a community environment for students.

"This initiative is consistent with the initiative in the college system to support a greater sense of community and more interaction between students and faculty," Metcalf said.

There will also be increased common spaces used for study, meetings, and community gatherings including a roof terrace, and a spacious atrium. The spaces will be designed to look inviting and maximize natural day lighting.

The dorm's design is expected to be "a new model for living and learning at Tufts," according to Tufts planners. The building is also anticipated to be a focus of study for students and faculty.

The design team is led by Graham Gund Architects of Cambridge. Steve Dadagian, project architect, designed a solar house when he was an undergrad at Tufts nearly 20 years ago. Steven Strong of Solar Design Associates is designing the photovoltaics and solar thermal systems.