Kuhn Riddle Architects

NEE Achieves Net-Zero Months

Published August 31, 2010

New England Environmental just marked its second net-zero energy month.

During April and May, the building’s photovoltaic panels created more electricity than the occupants used, earning NEE a credit with the electric company.

Now, within the hottest months of the year—when the sun provides the most energy—they anticipate similar results. “Because the air conditioning is only on from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.—and that is when we generate all of the power—our energy purchases this summer have been even lower than during the winter,” said Julie Marcus, NEE Director of Marketing.

In addition to the solar panels, the building’s envelope also plays an important role in energy usage and user comfort. “By utilizing active and passive strategies for energy production and efficiency, the building provides quantifiable year-round results,” said KRA’s Ann Marshall, AIA.

“The heat rarely came on after 10:00 a.m. on winter days,” Marcus said. With a tight, super-insulated wall assembly and ample sunlight streaming into the building from the south, the staff even found that they could work in short-sleeves during some of winter’s coldest days.

Since opening in February 2010, NEE has purchased only 880 kWh more electricity than its solar panels have produced. The project has been submitted for a LEED Platinum certification.

For more information on the system and an up-to-date reading of how NEE’s solar panels are performing, see their Solrenview site.

Ode is Open

Published August 19, 2010

Late last night in Northampton, KRA’s Rachael Chase and Ode’s Kristin Kelly took the paper off the storefront to reveal a beautifully-appointed shop window to a small crowd that had gathered on the sidewalk.

Read more about the design of this downtown Northampton project on our blog.

Elizabeth Morgan Becomes Licensed Architect

Published August 1, 2010

Kuhn Riddle Architects is pleased to announce that Elizabeth Morgan has become a licensed architect in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, following completion of the Architectural Registration Exams.

Morgan joined Kuhn Riddle in 2008 and is currently project architect for the UMASS Minuteman Marching Band Building project in Amherst. She also has experience with multi-family housing, community master planning, and sustainable modern residential design.

Morgan received her Masters in Architecture from Yale University, where she founded Yale Women in Architecture and was recipient of the 2007 Clarke Family Scholarship for Excellence in Design. She received her undergraduate degree from Oberlin College, where she majored in philosophy. Most recently, she participated in the "Practitioner's Roundtable" at the UMASS Amherst Pre-College Summer Design Academy where she discussed her work and answered questions from high school students.