Research & Technology Forum
Old School Meets New School
Transforming an 1849 Schoolhouse into a 21st Century High-Performance, Low-Carbon Residence
Thursday, August 29th from 3:00 - 4:30pm
SyracuseCoE, 727 E. Washington Street, Syracuse, NY
This Stone Schoolhouse lies on the outskirts of Syracuse, just off State Rt. 92 in Fayetteville, New York. Constructed in 1849 with 22” local limestone walls and heavy timber framing, the structure has stood the test of time through maintenance and neglect, hot humid summers and bitter cold winters.

Looking forward through the 21 st century, how do we shepherd buildings with historic character into the future using healthy, safe and comfortable design modifications… all the while with minimal energy use and net zero aspirations?

Designed to the guidelines of the Passive House EnerPHit standard, we strive to achieve all of the above! As a precedent to historical masonry deep energy retrofits in cold climates, join us as we embark on this endeavor of simultaneously incorporating high quality historic building principles in practice with the analysis and scrutiny of Passive House building science. The new residence has systems in place for energy use monitoring, real-time wall system analysis and CO2 sensing to ensure this structure endures another 170 years, at least. 
Photo shows a class photo from1922 and a renovated interior.
Presenters:
Tom King, CPHD, LEED AP
Team Leader
King + King Architects
 
Tom is a Certified Passive House Designer and Tradesperson, trained in the construction, detailing and energy modeling of high-performance buildings. At King + King he lives in the details. Designing high performing envelope systems for all buildings, large and small. Whether it be Net Zero, Passive House, new construction or renovation, complying with limited budgets and Energy Codes, or striving toward the highest performance metrics; every building stands to benefit from air tight construction, continuous insulation and high quality detailing coupled with integrated mechanical system strategies. Tom pushes this boundary and challenges colleagues and consultants alike to think, design, and construct more holistically. 
 
Tom is a graduate of Stevens Institute of Technology, where he held a leading role in the research, design and construction of the SURE House’s resilient and sustainable components. The SURE House is a net zero energy prototype for resilient residential construction targeting coastal neighborhoods increasingly affected by a changing climate. The Stevens SURE House team, led by six graduate students including Tom, won an unprecedented seven of ten competitions at the 2015 US Department of Energy Solar Decathlon competition. Tom holds a Master’s in Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Roger Williams University. 
Jim King, AIA, LEED AP
Partner
King + King Architects

Jim is partner-in-charge of the K-12 Education Design Studio, specializing in the K-12 education market and its intrinsic connection between space planning, teaching and learning. Carrying an excellent reputation among educators as a collaborator and instructional space specialist. As an employer in a STEM field, Jim understands the importance of partnering with education at all levels. He frequently serves as an in-class resource for project-based learning activities, provides opportunities for job shadowing, and hosts professional development sessions for educators. Jim frequently hosts students in his office for “problem-solving days.” Jim believes that engagement of students from diverse backgrounds with STEM businesses is critical to increasing the numbers who choose STEM focused careers. 

Jim serves on the leadership teams of the Central NY and Northern NY STEM Hubs, the Empire State STEM Learning Network and the ESM and North Country STEM Learning Ecosystems. This involvement has helped fuel Jim’s passion to change the way education is delivered in NY State and thought the United States. Under Jim’s leadership, King + King is a founding partner in the Collaborative Educators Summit, a two day cost-free professional development experience for school-based teams. Jim holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Syracuse University and has been a licensed architect since 1983.