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| The architectural plans, two years in the making, allowed for new, accessible residence rooms and a completely new high school layout. The redesigned courtyard spaces provide an appealing area for students and also allow the Sisters much-needed direct access from the building to the landscaped sitting areas. |
| The coordination of the new mechanical and electrical systems with the existing window heights and building structure was a challenge that was met. The new systems were routed to preserve the original ceiling heights and maximize daylight penetration. The schedule was a fast-track schedule, and the project was completed on a phased basis while occupied. |
| The project achieved a prestigious LEED GOLD certification through the United States Green Building Council. Green construction elements included: significant reuse of existing materials, recycled content materials, recycling of on-site construction waste, and sustainable furniture. |
| Besides the reuse of over 300 doors and transoms, miles of wood trim, and one acre of wood flooring, all of the new partitions were built using recycled metal studs, recycled drywall made from fly-ash, and recycled mineral wool sound insulation. The project now serves as a model for green renovation, and the Sisters have conducted numerous tours as a part of their mission and what they now call the 'Gospel of Green'. |
| Extensive interviews with the Sisters regarding the occupancy schedule of the various spaces allowed the HVAC system to be reduced by 45 tons. High-efficiency water source heat pumps were used with energy recovery units on the roof to provide fresh air and recover energy from the exhausted air. The building exceeds ASHRAE 90.1 for energy efficiency by 35%, providing significant long-term savings and environmental benefits. |
| DOE 2 modeling of various alternatives was used to evaluate thermal improvements. The over 900 windows in the building are used to maximize natural lighting of the spaces. White reflective TPO roofing was used to minimize heat island effect and to reduce load, a direct digital control system will provide setback and monitoring of the HVAC units. Waste heat from kitchen refrigeration is input into the heat pump water loop. Photocells in the classrooms turn off lights when natural light is present. |
| Ernie Sota and the Sisters co-wrote a grant application to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, which was funded and allowed for installation of a domestic hot water heating system and a 2KW photovoltaic array, which the Sisters proudly located near the entrance to the convent. |
| But most importantly, the Sisters are completely satisfied with the project and, in fact, have reported better health on the part of those suffering respiratory ailments. The retention of the historic fabric, while originally motivated by the mantra 'reduce, reuse, recycle', provided the realization that, after the renovations were complete, the facilty "feels like the old place." |
| What Our Clients Say |
"In addition to doing a good quality job, Sota was easy to work with and was of great help in the Value Engineering process necessary to bring the scope of work in line with the available funding."
"Sota staff were outstanding team players working with our staff in a unified and cohesive manner to project and eliminate many numerous on-site obstacles."
"Sota's efforts have transformed a symbol of inner city blight into a remarkable development for unique near-downtown housing."
"I have worked with many other general contractors and feel that your firm has provided the highest quality product."
"Sota's attention to detail, quality of craftsmanship, and responsiveness to clients' needs are indicative of your commitment to providing the highest level of service to your clients."
"Sota has extensive knowledge of sustainable design and energy use in buildings as well as understanding innovative energy systems."
"We were appreciative of the proactive role you played in bringing about an affordable project and assisting us in incorporating as many environmentally friendly features as possible."
"You really exemplify the best in the business and we are grateful."
"Perhaps the best reference I can give is that we would hire Sota Construction Services, Inc. again if a need would arise in the future."
"We have always received a high level of construction quality, enthusiasm and professionalism for our developments from Sota Construction."
"Sota stood out among the rest for their demonstrated commitment to sustainability and overall company vision of a consistent, integrated, project team process."
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