The recently completed Prairie Activity and Recreation Center (PARC) in Plainfield, Ill., is projected to be the first building of its kind to achieve the Passive House Institute US PHIUS+ Source Zero certification.
Designed as a net zero facility, the two-story, 37,000-sf building features a 4,000-sf fitness center and studio with a full-size basketball court, an elevated 10-lap walking track, a 1,600-sf multi-purpose room for classes and special events, and a preschool suite. The preschool suite includes a dedicated reception area and entrance and four classrooms with high windows and “look nooks” (low picture windows that connect the children to the natural surroundings outside).
The PARC is 65% more efficient than a conventional commercial building of the same size in a similar climate. It includes a 28,600-sf solar array and a highly insulating building envelope. A Building Performance monitor at the front entry will share building energy use and solar energy production information with visitors.
Exterior building features include LED site lighting, rain gardens, native landscaping, parking for 110 vehicles, a recreation patio for the preschool, and walking trails. The PARC is the newest addition to the Bott Park complex, which includes a playground, ball fields, and soccer fields.
Related Stories
| Feb 22, 2013
Westlake Reed Leskosky will renovate training center for Cleveland Browns
Local firm Westlake Reed Leskosky has been chosen to design renovations to the Cleveland Browns' Training and Administrative Complex in Berea, Ohio.
| Feb 14, 2013
Brasfield & Gorrie breaks ground on New College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta
General contractor Brasfield & Gorrie is scheduled to kick off construction on the new College Football Hall of Fame in downtown Atlanta. With an anticipated completion date of fall 2014, the $66.5 million project will continue the revitalization of the city’s tourist district.
| Feb 6, 2013
George W. Bush Presidential Center among award-winning roofing projects honored by Sika Sarnafil
Winners of the 2012 Contractor Project of the Year Competition were announced this week by Sika Sarnafil. The annual competition highlights excellence in roofing installation. Roofing contractors are judged based on project complexity, design uniqueness, craftsmanship, and creative problem solving.
| Dec 5, 2012
McIntyre appointed Business Development Director for Shawmut’s Sports Venue Group
McIntyre will be tasked with expanding existing client relationships and creating new partnerships.
| Dec 4, 2012
Wagner joins Ghafari as Manager of Structural Engineering
Wagner comes to Ghafari from Walter P Moore, where he served as a principal, chaired the construction administration task force and led the design of numerous projects ranging in size from $10 million to $70 million.
| Sep 24, 2012
$3.8-million athletic field and track opens in Glen Head, N.Y.
The complex also includes a new, one-story, multi-purpose building that serves as the main entry port to the athletic facilities.
| Sep 7, 2012
Duffy joins Thornton Tomasetti
At Hardesty & Hanover, Duffy partnered with Thornton Tomasetti on a number of projects.
| Aug 24, 2012
Meis heads to Woods Bagot Sport
Staples Center, Paul Brown Stadium architect to leverage global studio to serve clients worldwide.
| Aug 8, 2012
Giants 300 Sports Facilities Report
BD+C's Giants 300 Top 25 AEC Firms in the Sports Facilities sector.
