The University of Connecticut Social Sciences Classroom Buildings provide a new home to five academic departments and forty new classrooms at the heart of the Storrs, CT campus.  The project consists of two separate but related structures, Laurel Hall and Oak Hall.  Laurel Hall contains lecture halls and other medium sized learning spaces and Oak Hall accommodates additional classroom spaces and faculty office and administrative spaces.

Site design features include 100% native plantings (with a vegetated roof on Laurel Hall) and a comprehensive storm water design including large bioswales.  Internal water use is reduced by over 30% through the use of low flow faucets, toilets and urinals.  And on non-vegetated roof areas, high solar reflectance roof membrane was utilized to lessen the buildings heat island impact.

The project incorporates energy efficiency measures for a projected cost savings of 32% versus ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2004 Appendix G.  Some of the energy efficiency measures include:

• Low U-value design for walls and roofs with high performance curtain wall and skylight glazing
• Efficient lighting power density design and occupancy sensors in classrooms, offices and conference rooms.  Daylight dimming was utilized in classroom spaces.
• Utilization of central campus plant for electricity, steam and chilled water
• Full building BMS system and enhanced level of systems commissioning

The indoor environmental quality for the occupants was also a focus of the design team.  An Indoor Air Quality Plan was implemented throughout construction, low-emitting materials were utilized throughout the building, and enhanced level of particulate filtration and outdoor air delivery were included in the mechanical system design.