Newtown Campus Science Building, Kentucky Community & Technical College System

This project involved the design of a 64,000 square foot Science Education Center on the Newtown Campus of Bluegrass Community and Technical College for multiple degree programs, including biotechnology and environmental sciences. This project was part of Kentucky Community & Technical College System’s BuildSmart Initiative.  

Housed in the facility are laboratory spaces, science classrooms, administrative/faculty offices and other auxiliary spaces. Student support spaces include areas for quiet study, interaction zones and student lounges. The LEED Silver certified design includes many sustainable design features, including low emissivity glazing, light shelves, daylighting, energy/water conservation measures throughout the building and use of regional materials.  

The mechanical system features a heat recovery chiller providing the simultaneous production of chilled water and hot water. Air change reductions with room occupancy sensors are located in laboratory spaces. Demand control ventilation utilizes occupancy sensors in classroom and administrative spaces.     

The electrical system includes new site utility feeds, including electric and telecommunication. The site also includes a new parking lot and pedestrian walkway with site lighting and security. The building lighting system utilizes energy efficient LED fixtures throughout with flexible dimming controls and daylight harvesting. A new power distribution system throughout the building provides coordination with laboratory casework and equipment. Stacked telecommunication risers in the building have state-of-the-art network connectivity and wireless access.     

The design team also developed a plan for the relocation of programs formerly housed in the Cooper Drive Campus of BCTC to the Newtown Campus.