Archive for the ‘Energy Efficiency’ Category
INTOXICATING ENERGY SAVINGS
ecoRI news recently featured a comprehensive report on the design, construction, and energy performance of Charlestown Wine and Spirits. Read on….
Intoxicating Energy Savings at Local Package Store
By DAVE FISHER/ecoRI News staff
CHARLESTOWN — The building at 4625 Old Post Road is a green dream come true. The building was designed from the ground up with an eye toward extreme efficiency. Geothermal heating and cooling, computer-controlled lighting, reused and recycled materials used in its construction. The building’s “green cred” is enough to make you want to visit….
The building itself is quite a marvel. Designed by Charlestown’s own Oyster Works
CLICK HERE TO READ THE WHOLE STORY
Welcome Spring! Opening Day Approaches!
Building the field stone wall at the east entrance.
The snow has melted, the ground is thawed and we are back at work outside finishing the permeable pavers, building the Connecticut field stone wall at the entrance, and finishing the landscaping. All of the parking is in the rear of the building and the main store entrance will be on the east side of the building. Above the wall that Granscapes’ Mark and Sean are building will be a glass enclosed entranceway. The bright green material is a barrier to stop any water that penetrates the stone and the detail below illustrates how the stone is anchored to the frame wall.
Field Stone Wall Detail
Package Store Interior
Back on the inside we have finished the floor and are installing the kitchen cabinets, light fixtures, wine refrigerators, and plumbing.
The is a lot to do to finish the project – below Oyster Works’ Jeremiah Bowman moves the paving blocks – he has three pallets to unload before dinner.
Jeremiah Bowman moving the paving blocks.
Floor Finishing, BioShield Aqua Resin
The walls are painted, most of the lights are installed, the cabinetry is being made, and we are finishing the floor. We are using BioShield Aqua Resin an environmentally friendly product with extremely low volatile organic compounds (VOC). Formulated in Germany, in partnership with their sister company Volvox, Bioshield is a leader in the growing industry of environmentally friendly paints and finishes.
The Aqua Resin contains stain, a dispersion of polyurethane in water, micro wax, silicone, and silicic acid, has a high abrasion-resistant finish and is formulated for high traffic areas. We wanted a look that will recall the warmth of an old country store and we think we’ve got it .
The Eastern White Pine flooring soaks up the finish and we’ve found that the best way to apply the product is on hands and knees with a brush. Tim and Ezra will feel it tomorrow.
Spring Training – Getting Ready to Open
Two months to opening day and, like the Yankees and Red Sox, we are working hard to get ready. Last week we poured the concrete in the loading dock area and beer coolers – we had to wait until all of the geothermal and electrical lines were run and pressure checked. And we finished laying the floor in the retail area and loft. This week (and it’s only Tuesday) we’ve installed the beer cooler doors, built the stairs to the loft, installed two of the space heating units, and are continuing to install the lights. Take a look:
Soon we’ll be back outside. It’s been a long winter and we still have to finish laying the permeable pavers for the parking lot and sidewalks, top coat the asphalt, and finish the landscaping. Once that’s all done we’ll move the existing inventory into the new store and get ready to open.
There will be a Grand Opening and a chance to tour the building. If you are interested in coming please send us an email. We will notify the owners and make sure that you’re invited.
Cheers!
Gravel, Granite, and Candelabras
Granite Curbs and Gravel Base
The inside is being painted and soon we’ll be laying the WarmBoard, installing the radiant heat, and laying the floor. But for now…most of the action is outback.
As part of our eco-friendly design we are installing permeable paving stones for all of the parking areas. This will allow the rain water to drain naturally back into the ground and reduce the need for underground drainage and retention ponds. Permeable pavers are initially more expensive than asphalt, but have a much longer life span and can be less expensive over the life of a building.
Preparation is difficult work – the grades must be perfect, the gravel well compacted, and the granite curbs set to exacting tolerances. We are fortunate to be working with Morrone Excavation and Grandscapes on the site work and landscaping.
Candelabras…In keeping with our blend of tradition, green design, and energy efficiency, we are using computer controlled energy saving LED lighting and candelabras that are made from from oak wine barrel staves. Take a look!
Sean & Mark of Grandscapes setting the granite curb
Mike Morrone and Brendan Friend setting the grades.
Wine Barrel Candelabras
