Living Classroom Project
In its far-reaching sustainable design, the new living classroom will serve as a
vital learning tool and a model of sustainable design and construction all
across Virginia. The construction and landscaping will be done entirely by
students.
Plans for the classroom include covered with zinc siding with a green veil of
vegetation on the roof. The interior design will be warm and inviting, with
reclaimed and regional timber beams and local wood paneling. All exposed
materials will be maintenance-free. The south wall will be comprised of glass,
maximizing views of the surrounding environment while providing passive heating
in the winter. Large operating windows on the east and west walls also provide
views and natural ventilation. The lighting system will be used minimally
because all occupied spaces will have abundant daylight.
While nationally the building sector contributes between 40% and 50% of all
carbon emissions in the United States, SWCC’s classroom will be designed to
slash energy consumption as a super-insulated and airtight building. The passive
solar heating will supplement the building’s heating needs while a high
efficiency heat recovery ventilation unit will continuously provide fresh air.
It is anticipated that the on-site grid-connected solar photo voltaic system
will provide as much energy as the building uses. Most wastewater will be
treated on-site through the use of modern looking composting toilets.
The living classroom will be utilized by several academic programs and
departments on campus including the biology department for science instruction
ranging from general biology labs to the study of ecosystem ecology. The
classroom will also be used for environmental studies, outdoor
management/operations studies, recreational outdoor programs and many more
programs of study to be determined.