Performance Criteria

Thermal Comfort
Triumph's sustainable classroom's Quiet Climate 2 HVAC system is the most energy-efficient 'Bard' unit available for use in a portable classroom. It features a three ton heat pump that uses R-410A - a green, CFC-free refrigerant that will not harm the ozone layer; it has an energy recovery ventilator with wall monitor, a carbon dioxide sensor, a programmable thermostat, and it operates at an ultra-low sound level. The classroom also has operable awning windows to allow for passive, natural ventilation when weather permits. A vestibule at the main entry operates as a buffer for wind and cold when entering or leaving the building.

Indoor Air Quality
All of the materials used in Triumph's sustainable classroom have low- to no-VOC content. Operable windows allow for natural ventilation during temperate times of year. The HVAC unit operates at 15 cfm per student of fresh air intake. The building envelope uses Polyiso roof and wall insulation applied to the exterior of the wall studs, moving the dew point away from the interior of the building so there is less thermal bridging which might result in condensation and potential mold growth in the wall and roof cavities. These cavities are left open and free to breathe. All interior finishes are raised up on a 3/4 inch plastic strip to prevent any possibility of moisture wicking up the walls and for additional protection from mold contamination in the event water is introduced into the building. Walk off mats in the vestibule prevent the intrusion of contaminants and moisture.

Daylighting
Large windows that measure 6-foot high by 16-foot long provide increased window to wall ratio for better exterior viewing by the occupants and reduces the need for artificial lighting. Light shelves are provided to reflect natural sunlight into the classroom and sun shades on the exterior help regulate direct sunlight penetration. Sun tunnel skylights bring in direct day lighting which is most effective when the building is sited with a southern exposure.

Acoustics
The building envelope is designed with increased insulation values in the floor, walls and roof including double glazed windows and a new, ducted HVAC system that operates as low as 32db. These features, in combination with the acoustical deck in the ceiling and an insulated vestibule serve to minimize exterior noise penetration and lower interior noise levels.

Energy Efficiency
The two-stage HVAC system operates an average of 44% more efficiently during cooling and 38% more efficiently during heating than a standard wall mount heat pump unit. The use of rigid Polyiso to blanket the roof and walls, plus Icynene-sprayed insulation in the floor increases the thermal rating due to the continuous application on the outside of the structure. This, along with the increased R-values in general (R15 walls and R19 roof (MD), or R19 walls and R30 roof for MA design, and R20 floor) result in at least 50% greater thermal protection than is found in most standard portable classrooms for their specific geographical design region. The roof is a TPO "Energy Star" rated white roofing designed to reflect solar heat. Fluorescent lighting is regulated by occupancy and photoelectric sensors, while the 'lidded' exterior light fixtures sufficiently illuminate classroom entry with minimal light pollution.

Resource Efficiency
The structural elements of the building are made of recycled steel. The carpet tiles are made of recycled content; the interior finish is natural coated formaldehyde-free medium density fibreboard recycled wood product. The classroom has a chair rail made of bamboo, a highly renewable resource, and the floor plywood is FSC-certified. The interior dimensions are created wherever possible to reduce the amount of waste from construction materials. The classroom is completed at the plant and designed to be moved over 95% complete so that the site disruption and installation time at the site are kept to a minimum. An optional rainwater storage ladder is available should the owner have a use for the collected water.