Lincoln, MA – Delphi Construction, Inc acted as construction manager for the Groves in Lincoln, a new 168 unit independent living campus on nearly 40 acres of an existing school site. Architects on the project were EGA Architects.
Green aspects of this project were considered throughout the planning and pre-construction stages.
Reusable materials, furniture and equipment from the existing school building were removed prior to the State Police utilizing the structure to perform training exercises. A nursery was created by relocating a vast array of existing plants, shrubs and trees. Dozens of apple trees were relocated to use in the re-configured acreage hence the name “The Groves” was established.
Prior to actual construction, Delphi has made an effort to maximize the re-use of existing on site materials. Upon mobilization of the demolition crews, all building materials were sorted and recycled accordingly leaving a concrete and masonry structure that was processed on site along with several other structures for re-use as a structural fill under new building footings. In addition to the recycling and sorting of the existing school, bituminous roadways, parking lots and tennis courts were ground up into parking lot base, topsoil was screened and stockpiled, large amounts of boulders were crushed into useable roadway base and tree chippings were used to prevent erosion.
Structural components were pre-fabricated entirely off-site in controlled environments to minimize waste. Details to wall, floor and roof assemblies utilized thermal breaks in an effort to minimize heat loss. High efficiency windows, concrete siding and composite decking are being used on the exterior. Insulation, mechanical systems and appliance selections along with the overall construction will qualify for the “energy star” rating.
In an effort to improve the impact on the surrounding area, the Groves will have its own waste water treatment plant complete with a solar paneled pump house. Large underground infiltration basins will minimize storm overflows and erosion during heavy downpours. Town or well water will not be used for irrigation. Instead, a rainfall recovery system that will capture and store roof collected rainwater will be installed to keep the landscape pristine.
