Claremont, NH – Construction of a complete energy retrofit for a historic landmark in Claremont has recently been completed and already seen throughout New Hampshire as a model on how to preserve buildings that are a part of the state’s history.
Union Block Building was built in 1888 with a commercial design, replacing Brown’s Wooden Block which burnt in 1879. Recently, Union block has become the heart of redeveloping the town’s commercial center. With 36,000sf of historic commercial and residential space it became evident to the owner that in order to attract and retain tenants there were substantial improvements needed.
The project was overseen by the New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources and an architectural historian, funded through grants and loans by the Community Development Finance Authority. The project was managed by Bruss Construction and Integrated Business Energy Associates (IBEA).
The framework for the project was provided through an energy audit by the Jordan Institute. This work formed the Basis of Design provided to the design team headed by White/Laurin Architects. IBEA performed measurement and verification services on the building and Bruss Construction managed and implemented the energy efficiency measures set out in the proposal. The building remained operational throughout the entire six month process.
The retrofit improvements to the envelope included: installing new Low-e insulated glass and doors at some of the storefront, refurbishing an historic skylight with low-e insulated glass, adding spray foam and blown in cellulose to the attic for an R-value of 60, and air sealing the basement. HVAC work included adding mechanical ventilation and solar thermal hot water system. The most significant part of the project involved changing the heating system from a one zone steam system to a multi-zone forced hot water system, fired by wood pellet boilers This project is a positive example hot to improve occupant health, safety and comfort and is serving as a model to other historic buildings in the area.
Completion of the work recognized a 60% energy savings and a 75% energy cost savings all while keeping Union Block a historic center to Claremont’s business district.
The project team included construction managers – Bruss Construction; energy verification – Integrated Building Energy Associates; owner rep – Jordon Institute; mechanical engineering – Yeaton Associates; bio mass – Froling, LLC; mechanical contractor – Granite State Plumbing and Heating; engineer – Steffensen Engineering Associates; architects – Stuart White and David Laurin from White Laurin Architects and solar hot water-HB Energy Solutions.
Union Block Retrofit Completed – Bruss Construction, IBEA Team Up
Claremont, NH – Construction of a complete energy retrofit for a historic landmark in Claremont has recently been completed and already seen throughout New Hampshire as a model on how to preserve buildings that are a part of the state’s history.