Energy Efficiency and the Thermal Corridor

Science centers are typically the largest energy consumers among campus buildings and, quite frequently, match the energy consumption of most other campus buildings combined. As PAYETTE continues to pioneer new sustainable strategies for this energy-intensive sector, we’ve designed many of our recent science commissions to include a thermal corridor, which helps offset the energy needed to operate these state-of-the-art laboratories. The temperature within the thermal corridor can fluctuate to a greater degree than the inboard occupied spaces, allowing it to function as a buffer that reduces the energy use needed for heating and cooling. The transient space also protects these inboard spaces from solar heat gain and harsh glare, while simultaneously allowing daylight deeper into the building. Here, we examine how this feature functions within three of our recently completed, high-performing buildings.

The service corridor of the Hudson Valley Community College Science Center plays multiple roles in the functional and sustainable aspects of the building. This buffer service zone allows for unencumbered transport of lab set-ups to each of the lab and lab support spaces, while effectively acting as a double wall to the interior, occupied spaces. Lab spaces to the interior of this thermal blanket benefit immensely from the reduced exposure to the harsh exterior climate, while optimizing natural light and views through the glazed doors, sidelights and clerestories.

As a fundamental strategy for reducing total building energy usage at the Duke University Environment Hall, lobbies and primary circulation routes are organized into a network of thermal corridors along the south façade of the building. The corridors are passively heated in the winter and localized spot cooling is provided to lounges and break-out areas during peak summer days. Motorized windows tied to the building automation system provide natural ventilation. Light shelves, incorporated into the curtainwall, work in conjunction with a carefully selected materials palette to drive daylight deep into the building. The thermal corridors are 100% daylight autonomous, eliminating the need for artificial lighting during the day.

The thermal corridor of the Biosciences Research Building at the National University of Ireland, Galway functions much like a double wall system, shielding the harsh western light and heat from the interior. The corridor harnesses the heat in the winter and purges the heat in the summer through natural ventilation. The alternating array of OKAWOOD vision glass panels in the facade provides a warm materiality and textured light to the corridor. Opposite the OKAWOOD wall are entrances and borrowed lights that provide natural light into the open labs and shared lab support along the length of the corridor.

Related Links:
Energy Savings: Hudson Valley Community College
Energy Savings: Duke University
Energy Savings: Biosciences Research Laboratory