The Science IV building at Binghamton University is a 4-story reinforced concrete, 77,000 SF science facility that was constructed in 1973. The Science IV building had a dismal energy record, particularly in efficiency and thermal comfort. To remedy that, a deep energy retrofit was employed: original windows were replaced with dual-pane, thermally-broken units, a blanket of insulation wrapping the exterior proved the optimal solution for improving the thermal performance and air-tightness of the chronically-leaky exposed concrete facade, and a metal rainscreen system both protects and refreshes the exterior.

Phase 1 of a two-part retrofit was completed in summer of 2018. To begin the retrofit, our team guided an analysis of its existing conditions, thermal performance, and academic usage, paralleling each with the trends and expectations of today’s educational environments. Via detailed visioning and programming exercises involving key stakeholders from the campus, a clear direction and aspirations for the building and its future were formulated.
•Transform the existing building into a welcoming, energy efficient, sophisticated icon that showcases the psychology department and redefines the entrance to the campus
•Introduce lightness and transparency to both compliment and contrast with the existing building, better engaging the campus with an enhanced connection to the outdoors
•Create an environment that fosters innovation in the field of cognitive and behavioral research through improved spatial relationships and flexible design.

Envelope
In this case, it was decided to completely re-clad the building in order significantly improve thermal performance and thermal comfort, as well as address deterioration in the fa ade. Envelope solutions for deep energy retrofits should address air tightness first, followed by insulation. Insulating falls into two key categories: insulate from the inside or from the outside. At Science IV, the desire for a new aesthetic combined with masonry deterioration and significant thermal bridging made insulating from the outside the best choice. New windows and rainscreen cladding were installed. The roofing system was also replaced. Beyond a significant increase in thermal performance, the re-cladding gave a completely new look to the building, while respecting the forms and proportions of the original.

MEP Systems
The mechanical and electrical systems in the building were also upgraded. The result was to transform the existing building into a welcoming, energy efficient, sophisticated icon that showcases the psychology department and redefines the entrance to the campus. For Science IV, current modeling, more than halfway through design of Phase 2, predicts a 63 percent reduction in EUI, from 160 to 60, and a 52 percent reduction in carbon emissions, from 1,250 metric tons to 604 metric tons, exceeding the SUNY goals of 50 percent and 25 percent respectively.

Interiors
On the inside, the renovation sought to update faculty offices and psychology labs in ways that encouraged more interaction

“We added more collaboration space, nooks and crannies where people can linger and meet before and after meetings,” said Jason Evans, Associate Principal / Project Manager of the project. “There are more places for interaction to happen.”

Window walls are installed in many of the labs to create a feeling of transparency and openness and to give passersby an idea of what is going on inside. By renovating the interiors of these facilities to make vibrant new academic environments, and transforming the building envelopes and mechanical systems to significantly reduce operating costs, revitalized midcentury academic buildings can play a positive role in campus life for decades to come.