The Richard J. Klarchek Information Commons
at Loyola University
Chicago, Illinois
Buildings Home
> Case Studies: Educational > Klarchek
Information Commons
Structural Integration for Transparency and Energy
Efficiency
by Gregory J. Lakota, SE, PE*  Situated
on the only remaining open space along Lake Michigan at Loyola University’s
Lake Shore Campus, maximizing views through the building was critical,
but without increasing energy costs. Transparency and energy efficiency
were the key focus for the collaborative design for this innovative
bookless library.
Halvorson and Partners pushed their structural design to develop
the thinnest profiled structure possible, to be visually exposed
and allow maximum clear views though the building to the lake. The
second key was integrating the floor structure into the building’s
energy concept, by embedding radiant tubing in the structural floor
– to cycle water through the structure to help radiantly heat
and cool the building.
 After
much investigation it was determined that post-tensioned cast in
place girders and custom precast floor planks would optimally create
the barrel vault framing system. This required careful integration
of the full system – integrating and linking radiant PEX tubes
embedded into the precast panels. (This is believed to be one of
the first such applications of this system; it is traditionally
used in fully cast in place system). Thanks to this system, and
natural ventilation and a double-skin curtain wall, this LEED Silver
building has used 60% less energy than ASHRAE standards since opening
in January 2008.
The feature stairs are column free to further contribute to this
goal of transparency in the building. Gravity columns were kept
to minimal sizes within the central reading room. At the two ‘book-ends’
of the library, the lateral system was integrated with core features
and services.
Due to its thoughtful integration of visual openness and energy
efficiency, this project was awarded the 2008 Chicago Building Congress’s
Merit Award. Thestructure contributed by integrating elegantly and
simply to the project goals.
*Gregory J. Lakota, SE, PE
Principal
HALVORSON AND PARTNERS
Richard
J. Klarchek Information Commons Picture Gallery |
 |
Level 2 Plan |
 |
Typical precast barrel vault
slab section showing radiant tubing |
 |
 |
| Columns and PT girders |
Installing exterior wall support framing |
 |
 |
| Formwork for curved girders |
Reinforcement for curved girders |
|
Barrel vault plank being set
at level 2 |
|
 |
Case Studies:
Cultural Buildings
Educational Institutions
Green Buildings
Healthcare
Hospitality
ICF Buildings
Luxury Residential
Mixed Use
Office Buildings
Religious Structures
Tilt-Up Buildings
| Owner:
Loyola University
Architect: Solomon, Cordwell, Buenz
Structural Engineer: Halvorson and
Partners
MEP: Elara Engineering
Climate Engineer: Transsolar Klima
Engineering
Contractor: Pepper Construction
|
|
|