Friends of Vocational Technical & Agricultural Education,
We are excited to share this update concerning a collaborative effort between students at Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech and the Lloyd Center in Dartmouth, MA. The “Living Building Challenge” will be an environmentally sustainable welcome center for visitors, students, and education purposes, built entirely by Voc-Tech students. It will not use municipal water or sewer and will generate its own power. Read more below about this incredible learning experience.
David
Lloyd Welcome Center- Living Building Challenge – GNB Voc-Tech
Over the past few years, our students have been busy at the Lloyd Center constructing the state-of-the-art Welcome Center. The Living Building Challenge Welcome Center is a small building with an enormous impact as it is an environmentally friendly building and couples hand in hand with our school’s green initiative. Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech is making history; our work is in alignment with international standards with fewer than 30 buildings certified worldwide. Upon completion, the building and our student artisans will receive state, national and international recognition.
When our students started this project, the central focus was on the metal roof which required specific applications before the actual roofing product could be installed. Hold down anchors which were completed in part by donated equipment by HILTI along with various framing components throughout the building were constructed. The windows have been installed per the manufacturer’s specifications and were demonstrated in our carpentry shop on a mockup wall prepared by our students.
Over the past few years, our students have been busy at the Lloyd Center constructing the state-of-the-art Welcome Center. The Living Building Challenge Welcome Center is a small building with an enormous impact as it is an environmentally friendly building and couples hand in hand with our school’s green initiative. Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech is making history; our work is in alignment with international standards with fewer than 30 buildings certified worldwide. Upon completion, the building and our student artisans will receive state, national and international recognition.
Since then, the students in the Carpentry, Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC programs have continued to participate in the construction of this building. In addition to the actual construction, a variety of our other Career and Technical Programs have been instrumental in the process of our involvement in this project. Our Engineering students have designed a bicycle rack that will be at the site. Media Technology students have been monitoring the project with photos and video throughout its entirety which will contribute to the actual LBC certification.
Recently, under the supervision of carpentry instructor, Frank Goncalves the roof covered pavilion has been completed. The sheetrock has been installed and taping (sheetrock finish) is near completion, and primer and ceiling paint has been completed. Students will begin on interior finishes as well as completing the exterior shingling and trim. The interior finish tasks will be to install tile in restrooms, install interior doors, trimming windows, as well as some oak accent walls. The exterior shingling and trim are very close to completion and students will also install gutters.
Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech is proud to be partnering with the Lloyd Center to truly leave an impact on the community and the environment.
David J. Ferreira
MAVA Communications Coordinator
DavidFerreira
