Northaven United Methodist Church is committed to energy conscious design. This page is a forum for ideas to be incorporated into the new facility design. Please also see the United States Green Building Council webpage.
Green strategies presented in the building plans for Northaven:
The sanctuary facade cantilevers out (from the base to the top cornice - 10'). These overhangs provide passive shading from the summer sun. The continuous glass windows provide natural light to the perimeter circulation areas around sanctuary. These windows allow Northaven to display its art to the community as the pass the Northaven/Preston Road intersection.
The walls of the education wing are 8" thick concrete with additional insulation. The thickness of the wall absorbs heat of the sun during the day and releases it heat at night due to the thickness of the wall.
The classrooms on the first floor have 10' high ceilings and high windows to maximize natural light. The lower section of windows are operable to collect breezes.
Skylights in the sanctuary and atrium provide natural light.
Slow moving fans in the sanctuary quietly recirculates the air.
Storm water storage and recirculation (provided we have the budget), please note the scuppers on the building that channel water for site irrigation.
The design of Northaven United Methodist Church uses local materials to save energy costs of transportation.
Northaven uses "Green" building products (insulation, products that have been recycled, etc.)
The bid documents shall specify an air conditioning system that utilizes a water cooled condenser to reduce energy costs and noise (compared to an air cooled system).
Economizer cycling on mechanical systems that utilizes fresh air to cool the building.
The roof over the sanctuary is an off-white PVC roofing membrane. This is one of the most energy efficient roofing systems on the market today.
Vines on trellis to cool the walkway along Preston from the parking to the building, also to cool the classrooms when the lower windows are open.
By constructing a two story building, we are increasing the amount of permeable area on the site.
Please check back often. This page will continually be updated.
Updated June 15, 2003