Thermal Bridging Solutions
Due to a 15.5% increase in enrollment over the past 10 years, Hampden Academy in Northern Maine, USA, received the green light for a $2 million expansion project after voters in the Regional School Unit approved the proposal. WBRC architecture drew up plans for a 6,800 SF third floor to be added to the Academy making room for eight more classrooms, helping to cater for the increase in enrollment and demand of over 800 students.
It was originally built in 2012 using structural steel, mechanical systems and a concrete floor slab, with the mindset that an expansion in the future would be possible. During the initial blueprints,It was essential to the architects that the new expansion project would follow LEED guidelines by combating energy loss and achieve constant insulation. To do so, Armatherm thermal breaks were selected to be worked into the construction.
Ideal for meeting the requirements of the existing building whilst complying with LEED guidelines, several thousand feet of ArmaGirt™ Z Girts was installed to insulate the warm interior wall from the cool exterior wall. This has improved the overall insulation of the building, contributing to much lower energy consumption and therefore costs.
By including thermal breaks into the design of this expansion project, it will help contribute to sustainability efforts and work well with the existing masonry. Furthermore, ArmaGirt™ Z Girts were easy to install which enabled the project to be completed swiftly and efficiently as construction occurred during the school year.
This expansion project joins thousands of others that have complied with the LEED guidelines, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, ultimately leading towards a healthier environment.
