sustainable solutions for retraining a workforce
With economic forces at work in Michigan, Montcalm Community College wanted to create a retraining program to refocus a manufacturing workforce to the technology-rich health sciences fields. To do this, the college hired SHW Group designers to repurpose existing facilities and build an addition—all LEED® certified.

As a publicly funded project, state space efficiency and sustainability standards were an important consideration for the design team, along with the client’s goal for LEED certification. The SHW team responded to these needs, creating a design that included a new addition and the renovation of two buildings that were originally constructed in the 1960s.

engaging the environment
The topography, location of existing buildings and the wetlands located on the site led to a solution that creatively engaged the existing buildings and respected the wetlands.

“Our sustainable goals required that we preserve the integrity of the habitat and the design,” said Brandon Sundberg, lead designer. “The new two-story addition was pulled back from the marsh and its lower level was built into the hillside, shortening the walking distance between the new facility and one of the old buildings – an attractive aspect in a cold climate.”

reducing, recycling, reusing
To achieve LEED certification, the project incorporated sustainable strategies such as the use of both recycled materials and regional materials as well as the adaptive reuse of older buildings. Ninety-five percent of the addition was constructed of recycled steel. Strategic window placement introduced abundant natural light to indoor spaces, providing energy savings and a visual connection to the nearby natural landscape and other outdoor spaces. The selection of brick achieved aesthetic, budget and sustainable project objectives. The exterior shell was constructed of locally manufactured brick in two colors: dark chocolate brick anchored the building within the site by providing a high contrast to the landscape, and lighter terra-cotta brick at the elevated level accentuated the varied building form while offering consistency with the existing campus brick.

Outdated laboratory space in the existing buildings were repurposed into classroom space, and state-of-the-art, cost-effective laboratories were incorporated into the new addition. This solution lowered initial project costs while providing modern flexible space for both the classroom and laboratory needs of the campus. “These spaces were designed as intelligent containers for interdisciplinary studies. They accommodate a variety of changing needs with mobile furniture and equipment, water and power at the perimeter of the room, and easy access to the technology, mechanical and electrical backbone of the facility. The entire building has wireless technology which allows students buildingwide access,” says Sundberg.

Near the facility’s distinguishing glass and metal clad main entrance, a student gathering room offers a large inviting breakout area for academic and communal purposes. It provides students with a space for study, open computer lab use, opportunities to interact with faculty members and enjoy refreshments with fellow students in a lounge-type area.

By combining effective identification of short- and long-term needs with thoughtful design, the facility’s use was maximized in minimal space. As a result, the college was able to continue offering competitive programs to its students and was positioned as an asset to the changing needs of students and the community for years to come.