Chapel Hill - Carrboro YMCA, New Youth Center
For this facility, we are redeveloping a portion of an existing site. In the process we
are designing the stormwater system to keep all additional runoff on site. This will be
accomplished through the use of several different means: the use of bio-retention gardens,
sedimentation basins, and cisterns. The latter will be an integral part of the building composition
and the water from the cisterns will be available for irrigating the playfields. This irrigation will
also significantly reduce the use of potable water.
To reduce automobile traffic, the site is situated on more than one bus line, and numerous bicycle
rack spaces will be available in a convenient place.
To reduce solar heat absorption paved areas will be shaded and alternatives to asphalt will be
evaluated. The roof will be designed with an EPA Energy Star membrane.
Plant materials used in Landscaping will be of drought-resistant varieties.
Exterior lighting fixtures will be the full-cut-off type, and allow no light to escape from the
property.
Much of the lighting for the building, during the day, will come from translucent Kalwall windows.
These consist of white synthetic “angel hair” insulation sandwiched between two clear acrylic plastic
panels. The effect is not unlike a Japanese Shoji screen, and significantly reduces heating and cooling
while letting in substantial daylight.
The building orientation has the principal facades facing north and south, which allows maximum control
of heat gain through shading devices on the south façade (while none are needed on the north).
At least 90% of all regularly occupied spaces will have views to the outside.
The building will be constructed, to the extent possible, of recycled and rapidly renewable materials,
locally and regionally manufactured items, and materials that will not “outgas” harmful chemicals.
The heating, ventilation and cooling systems will monitor for carbon dioxide and be designed to the
current ASHRAE 90.1 standards. And plumbing fixtures will be low-flow and be operated with sensors.