The Smith Aquatic & Fitness Center features a 6-lane competitive pool and a separate recreational pool with two water slides, a zero-depth beach entry area, and an in-water play structure. The pools are complemented by offices, locker rooms, a wet classroom, a large fitness area with cardiovascular and strength training equipment, and a studio for fitness programs and classes.
In addition to providing the MEP engineering services, 2RW designed many of the sustainable features that contributed to the LEED Platinum Certification. Specifically, the standing column well (SCW) ground source heat pump system, which helped to minimize the building operating and maintenance costs by reducing energy consumption. Additional energy saving features include automatic low-flow water fixtures which reduce wastewater by 64%; daylighting to 98% of the occupied spaces; and a roof-fitted solar thermal system to heat domestic water.
2RW created energy models to estimate the expected energy savings using a code-compliant building meeting the requirements of ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2004 as a base. The energy model is used to assess the cumulative effect of all of the energy efficient design strategies of the project based on typical weather data and building usage.
Based on the energy modeling, there is an estimated 58% annual energy cost savings which includes heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting, and domestic hot water savings.
OWNER: City of Charlottesville
TIMEFRAME: 2008 – 2010
SIZE: 24,460 SF
COST: $8.25 million
ESTIMATED ENERGY SAVINGS: Estimated 58% annual energy cost savings
2011 – Facility of Merit, Athletic Business Magazine
2011 – Green Building Leadership Project Award Juror’s Favorite, James River Green Building Council