Property
- Type:
- Educational institution
- Address:
- 928 White Oaks Blvd., Laconia, NH 03246
- Event Participation:
- NESEA Green Buildings Open House 2012 Host
- NESEA Green Buildings Open House 2013 Host
Technology
- Type:
- Geothermal
Professionals & Suppliers
- Builders:
- BEAM Construction, Sandwich, NH
What You Need to Know
Description:
Geothermal heat pump Use of local/regional building materials The building uses, as much as possible, locally produced materials to reduce energy usage from transportation and shipping. The siding is eastern white cedar (rather than western red cedar, for example), framing is all local spruce or hemlock, and the flooring is red pine from a local mill. Minimal site disturbance and reuse of site materials The building site was prepared with minimal clearing. All wood cut on site has been be put to other use, some at the Center for firewood and other projects. All soil removed from the field for the new driveway was used to regrade along the drive and around the building. Solar Orientation/Passive Heating and Cooling The due-south orientation of the Center maximizes day-lighting to reduce dependence on electric light. The northern exposure is minimized and southern exposure in the Program Room is maximized. Direct southern sun is thus allowed in during the winter, but reduced during the summer by using the extended building frame and shade trees directly south of the building. This allows passive solar energy to light and heat the building. Slate floors in the two main entries build and store heat from the sun during the day and provide heat back to the building after the sun has passed. Geothermal Heating and Cooling The heating and cooling system is a geothermal heat pump system using groundwater as a heat exchanger. Groundwater at a consistent 50 degrees Farenheit comes from a 700 foot well, and provides energy to the system. For heating, energy is extracted from the water before it is returned to the well. This energy is circulated to heat the building as forced hot air. For cooling, the system basically works in reverse, like an air conditioner, removing energy from the air, and storing it in the groundwater. No fossil fuel is required to directly heat or cool the building, however electricity is needed to run the pumps and fans that operate the system. Energy Efficient Materials and Equipment - The roofing is reflective metal, which reduces the cooling load in summer. - The exterior walls have been designed with the latest techniques in insulation, air infiltration control and moisture control. The design exceeds the requirements of the NH energy code by 30%. - The windows are all insulated, low -E, high performance units. - All lighting is high efficiency compact fluorescent/tube fluorescent. - Low water usage plumbing fixtures. - Hot water is generated at each needed location by individual high efficiency electric heating units, for on-demand supply. This reduces the need to maintain a single, large volume tank and piping. - All finished interior walls are wood, rather than gypsum/sheetrock. Photovoltaics The Pardoe Building uses a photovoltaic system to provide supplemental electricity to the building. This system provides almost half of the required energy needed by the building. The solar panels are located to the south of the building along the path to the barn. Native Plants for Landscaping All plant material used to landscape the site was chosen from NH native species, meant to provide cover and food for wildlife species at the Center. Special Instructions Prescott Farm has been owned by the Prescott family for over 200 years. The farm was established by Colonel Dudley Prescott of the 10th Regiment New Hampshire Militia. Colonel Prescott served in the Revolutionary War at the age of 19 and due to his war service was able to acquire land grants in 1796 and 1797. Prescott Farm, originally comprised of 700 acres, was bounded on one side by Paugus Bay and included three small islands, one of which is known today as Christmas Island. The property was passed down through the Prescott Family, eventually to Helen Prescott Pardoe and it is her son and grandchildren that are the current owners. Prescott Farm ceased to be an active farm in the 1950's. In 1997, the Pardoe family established a private operating foundation/not-for-profit organization, Prescott Conservancy, Inc. (PCI) and gifted 160 acres of farmland to it. The following year PCI entered into a management partnership with the NH Audubon Society to offer environmental education programs on the property and in 2005, built the energy-efficient Samuel P. Pardoe Building for classroom and office space. On April 1, 2009 PCI, began operating the Center independently as Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center (PFEEC). PFEEC offers environmental educaion for all ages throughout the year including WildQuest camps, public programs, field trips, and long-term partnerships with local elementary schools. The farm is designated as an official New Hampshire Wildlife Viewing Area and offers hiking on more than three miles of woodland, pond and field trails. Visitors can also explore the three-story historic barn, beautiful heritage flower and vegetable gardens, and an old-fashioned maple sugar operation (during the month of March). PFEEC is supported by grants from the Samuel P. Pardoe Foundation (established in 1989 by Helen Pardoe's son Samuel), program fees, memberships, and donations.
Efficiency or Sustainability Improvements:
Local Materials, Passive Solar, Super Insulated Walls/ Roof
Open House Info:
The Center is open from 9:00-4:00 daily - please use the driveway at 928 White Oaks Road rather than the Farmhouse. Unfortunately we do not allow pets on site. For more information, please visit our website at www.prescottfarm.org
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