gallery
frog fact
The Hawaiian Islands are generally considered to be located in a tropical climate zone; however, the volcanic mountains and movement of the trade winds around the islands helps create many different climatic zones varying in temperature, precipitation, humidity, wind, cloud cover and solar radiation making the islands an ideal location for Frog to test and optimize for climate variation.
The Hawaiian Islands present a unique opportunity to test energy generation and building performance due to the diversity of climates contained in this tropical environment. Project Frog is working closely with Hawaii Natural Energy Institute (HNEI) to deploy a series of buildings for research of energy efficiency and sustainability of Frog structures throughout the Hawaiian Islands. The initial phase of the assignment involves an experimental evaluation of a state-of-the-art energy neutral test platform at two climatically different islands – Oahu and Kauai. The 1,200 sf structure shown here is the test structure at Ilima Intermediate School, the single free standing high-performance classroom located in Ewa Beach, Oahu.
The new classroom supports the school’s mission to strive for excellence by providing students and teachers with a high-performance learning environment that models environmentally friendly design. It has been equipped with efficient systems such as overhead fans and under floor cooling. Project Frog implemented deep overhangs, north facing orientation for ideal daylighting, and clearstory windows allowing abundant indirect lighting. Sustainable materials include low VOC paint, cool roof, low-e glazing and durable FSC certified wood siding and trim.
The test structure at Ilima Intermediate School has been outfitted with high tech energy monitoring systems providing valuable research data for HNEI. The energy consumption data will give HNEI the knowledge to make educated decisions on the most efficient products and materials thus impacting the future of sustainable design in Hawaii.
