Hoffman LLC: Holy Wisdom Monastery again recognized for sustainability

Contact:

Scott Pigeon

Hoffman LLC | Director of Marketing

Phone: 920-380-2175 | Email: spigeon@hoffman.net

Highest-Rated LEED-NC Project Designed and Built by Hoffman LLC

(Appleton, WI) Holy Wisdom Monastery in Madison, WI received a 2010 SE2 (Sustainability and Energy Efficiency) Award of Merit from the Wisconsin Green Building Alliance (WGBA). The SE2 Leadership Award program recognizes leadership in energy efficient and sustainable design, construction and operation of Wisconsin commercial and other non-residential buildings.

Hoffman LLC, the Appleton-based Total Project Management firm, provided the planning, design, and construction management services for the two-story monastery. The facility earned 63 out of a possible 69 points under Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) New Construction from the U.S. Green Building Council®, becoming the highest-rated LEED-NC Platinum building in the country.

The Benedictine Women of Madison partnered with Hoffman to create a facility that would meet their specific goals, including designing and building to a high LEED Platinum certification within a fiscally responsible budget.

Holy Wisdom Monastery’s total project cost was $246 per square foot, which consists of all project-related costs (except land), including the responsible deconstruction of their previous 60,000 square foot retreat and conference center. This cost comes in below the average estimate of at least $250 per square foot for comparable, non-certified buildings in the Madison, Wisconsin area and is on the very low end for LEED Platinum projects nationally.

“The Sisters had high expectations for Holy Wisdom Monastery, so it was extremely important to collaborate with them from the very beginning of the project,” stated Paul J. Hoffman, owner and president. “At the forefront was their desire to create a highly sustainable facility that embodied their mission while meeting their fiscally responsible budget. The Sisters wanted to inspire and encourage others to build and live responsibly while demonstrating that it can be done affordably.”

The 34,000 square foot building includes spaces for worship, retreats, concerts, conferences, dining, reading, and administration.

Sustainable highlights of the monastery include:

* Photovoltaic panels on the roof which provide 13% of the monastery’s total energy requirements. (The system is expandable and the goal is to eventually provide 100% of the monastery’s energy needs on a net basis from on-site, renewable energy.)

* Daylighting-capturing Solatubes and skylights that maximize the use of daylight.

* High-performance Andersen® wood windows that keep heat losses/gains to a minimum, reduce glare, and provide abundant daylight and spectacular views.

* The use of bamboo, a rapidly renewable resource, throughout the facility.

* Solar light fixtures in the parking area.

* A white, membrane roof, highly reflective pavers, and vegetated (“green”) roofs help to keep the surroundings cool.

“We are honored that the monastery is being recognized by the WGBA,” said Hoffman. “The facility showcases exactly what the WGBA stands for and draws attention to the importance of using sustainable design and construction practices and methods.”

In addition to the WGBA Award of Merit, Holy Wisdom Monastery has received an Aon Build America Merit Award from The Associated General Contractors of America and has been named a 2009 Top Project by Wisconsin Builder magazine.

The WGBA Award of Merit was presented at the annual SE2 conference which took place this week in Oconomowoc.