Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center — Buford, GA

Technology Category

Functional Applications - Remote Monitoring & Control Systems

Applicable Industries

Buildings
Education

Applicable Functions

Facility Management

Use Cases

Building Automation & Control

Services

Hardware Design & Engineering Services

The Challenge

The Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center (GEHC) is a 59,000 sq ft demonstration building that includes community meeting spaces, classrooms, historical displays, and a hands-on learning lab for children. The building was designed by architecture firm Lord Aeck Sargent, using locally harvested materials and numerous energy and water saving strategies. The building uses glass extensively, infusing its public spaces with natural light. The architectural hardware throughout the building needed to complement rather than detract from the glass. The challenge was to find a hardware solution that would not only be functional but also aesthetically pleasing and in line with the architect’s LEED-friendly daylighting practices.

About The Customer

The Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center (GEHC) is a public facility located in Buford, Georgia. The center explores the impact of water on our history and everyday lives and the water management challenges we will face in the future. The 59,000 sq ft demonstration building includes community meeting spaces, classrooms, historical displays, and a hands-on learning lab for children. The building was designed by architecture firm Lord Aeck Sargent and constructed by Juneau Construction Company. The GEHC became the first building in Gwinnett County to receive a LEED Gold Certification for LEED, a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings.

The Solution

DORMA provided a range of products to meet the hardware needs of the GEHC. The DORMA TS93 Series Door Closers’ advanced cam & roller design makes protruding double lever arms unnecessary, reducing the effort needed to open a door. The DORMA 8900 Series Closers feature spring power adjustment, self-adjusting back check, optional delayed action, and narrow projection to improve aesthetics. BTS80 Concealed Door Closers were also used to provide reliable door control with virtually no visual evidence of the hardware—an important feature considering the architect’s use of glass doors. The 9000 Series Exit Devices installed offer superior durability and have a reduced projection touchbar that minimizes catch hazards. In addition, DORMA 900 Series Overhead Stops, which limit door swing and have a built-in cushioned stop, were selected to complete the hardware package.

Operational Impact

The DORMA architectural hardware’s family of products delivered a practical, stylish solution to GEHC’s hardware needs.
The use of DORMA's products helped the GEHC achieve a modern look, with a satin nickel finish on exposed hardware components.
On exit devices, a durable satin stainless steel finish was covered with clear powder coat to create a look nearly identical to the satin nickel finish—all while keeping costs down.

Quantitative Benefit

The GEHC became the first building in Gwinnett County to receive a LEED Gold Certification for LEED, a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings.