The Class of 1963 Center for Math and Science

A major part of the Nichols School "Nichols Future" capital campaign is in the process of wrapping up. The The Class of 1963 Center for Math and Science building is scheduled to open this winter, and from the looks of it the Architectural Resources team has done a fine job as far as appearances go. What could have been a bland northern side of the building has been given an organic splash of wood that gives the structure more of a modern look while softening other institutional features.

The south side of the building incorporates more steel and glass into the design and relies more on geometric patterns to add interest and appeal. The $10.3 million center is a green project that provides the campus with seven laboratories, eight classrooms and a 40-seat technology learning lab. Among other green features, the design team opted to incorporate sustainable heating and cooling features, daylighting measures, as well as a LiveRoof Green Roof System - the organic roof technology is the first of its kind in WNY.

Comprehensive list of green features:

Site Selection and Building Orientation
-Selection of sites for construction allowed for increase of about 12% in green space within campus boundaries;
-Orientation of building optimized benefits of daylight within the building.

Landscaping
-Use of native plant materials, which require little more than natural rainfall to subsist;
-Use of roof-generated water to sustain the eco-pond;
-Re-use of existing trees and shrubbery in landscape design;
-Use of eco-pond feature to partially manage storm water.

Energy Use
-Building Management System control packages to monitor energy consumption, including temperature controls for heating and cooling, three-step lighting controls to adjust light levels to maximize benefits of natural daylight, occupancy sensors to
activate and deactivate lighting and timers to control site lighting;
-High efficiency boilers as part of heat pump-based HVAC system;
-Low flow plumbing fixtures and auto-sensor faucets and flushing devices to reduce water consumption;
-Efficient lamp and ballast packages with light fixtures;

External, Vertical and Horizontal Sun Shading Devices
-Use of these aesthetic components of the building façade to also provide static, year-round control of the influence of sunlight on the interior environment from both glare reduction and heating and cooling perspectives.

Green Roof
-Protects and extends the life of the one-story wing roofing system components;
-Augments the building's insulation package in resisting the transfer of heat and thereby reducing energy consumption;
-Assists in sound dampening space beneath;
-Enriches the natural habitat for birds, insects through a rapidly renewable resource.

Nichols School
Buffalo, NY 14201
(716) 876-3450