High Performing Buildings - Spring 2008 - (Page 68) forms the hub of a water system that serves several purposes. An on-site well capable of producing 1,500 gallons per minute provides water for geothermal heating and cooling of the building while also supporting the building’s domestic use and fire protection. Geothermal by-product water fills the 1.7 acre wetland pond in the front of the building, as well as the series of ponds and wetlands downstream. Water Treatment The well water on-site is quite hard and contains high levels of iron and manganese. Without water treatment, the iron and manganese would quickly stain the building’s plumbing fixtures. Various types of filtra- tion systems were discussed during the design phase. With a number of fairly remote parks surrounding Detroit, the Metropolitan Park Authority had extensive experience with well water treatment systems. They guided the design team to a treatment system that uses sodium hypochlorite pellets to oxidize the iron and manganese so that they can be filtered out. Similar to the building plumbing fixtures, the water sprayground also required well water treatment to prevent staining of the various water toys and surfaces. Therefore, a second substantially larger treatment system was installed parallel to the building’s domestic water system. This system is used only in the sum- mer months when the sprayground is operating. In the domestic hot water system, a traditional water softener is used for scale prevention. Materials and Resources Building materials were selected for energy efficiency and resource effectiveness. Oriented southwest toward the view, major windows are protected by overhangs, sun screens and adjustable interior shades. Fenestration is minimal on the other elevations, thereby limiting exposure. Clear glazing was selected to avoid disruption of views. High-efficiency argon gas filled insulated-type was selected with a low-e coating. The roof and walls also are well insulated. W AT E R F L O W 68 HIGH PERFORMING BUILDINGS Spring 2008 © SmithGroup
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