Projects: Sustainable Design and Construction |
| The demand for sustainable building is growing at a rapid pace, and will certainly continue to increase into the future. These practices will allow people to inhabit our cities and towns with a smaller impact on our environment. Breakell is taking the lead, with a number of completed and current construction projects that incorporate leading-edge sustainable technologies. Environmentally intelligent buildings may have some features such as: Strictly monitored building sites with stormwater management and erosion control, high efficiency heating and cooling units, mechanical ventilation systems, daylighting and energy efficient lighting, low flow plumbing fixtures, low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints and adhesives and materials with high recycled content. |
Blacksburg Motor Company
Good sustainable design encourages urban redevelopment and the use of existing infrastructure. In alignment with effective sustainable design, a geothermal well system was installed for high efficiency heating and cooling and the proper remediation of an existing brownfield. Other environmentally friendly features included a white membrane roof, low flow plumbing fixtures, occupancy sensors, low-emitting materials, and a pervious concrete parking lot and bio-retention ponds for storm water management. The Town of Blacksburg’s Department of Planning and Engineering will house its offices in the building along with a public service area that includes reception, waiting areas, and conference meeting spaces. |
VDOT Salem Traffic Management Center
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Miller’s Hill
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Celebrating LEED Platinum Certification
The new Salem Traffic Management Center serves as an around-the-clock-communication hub for a 29-county region in southwest Virginia. The center operates more than 70 information devices, such as message boards, cameras and Highway Advisory Radio transmitters. The new, 17,000-square-foot facility has two stories, with the first floor extended into the hillside, allowing the second floor to exit at ground level. The operational center occupies the first floor with offices housed on the second floor. Environmental features highlighted in the project include a high efficiency heating and air condtioning ventilation system, low flow plumbing fixtures, a white Bondcote roof, daylighting, exterior light pollution reduction strategies, bike racks, rain gardens and segmental retaining walls. This project is a premiere example of sustainable design and green building strategies. Showcasing a myriad of principles and products that are intended to minimize the building’s environmental footprint, the Salem Traffic Management Center is a wonderful demonstration of the beauty and efficiency of a well designed and constructed green building. 
The Miller’s Hill project is a collaboration between the Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority, Breakell Inc. and Hill Studio to revitalize 17 homes in the 400 block of Day Ave. The goal is to preserve the historic character of the homes while transforming each one back into a single-family dwelling. Sustainable features include: minimal lot size, site located near community amenities, redevelopment of existing homes, utilization of existing infrastructure, proper site erosion control, construction waste separated and recycled, Energy Star certification, original windows salvaged and caulked, storm windows added, metal roofs, low-flow plumbing fixtures, high effieciency water heater (electric) with hot water reclamation system; continuous hot water available.
