To learn more about the
Operations Center, read below or click on one of the following links to link to
pdf files and jpeg files containing more information.
Please note that these
files are large and may require some time to download, depending on your system.
| Operations Center brochure | (11x17 pdf file with text and graphics)
| Operations Center Poster 1 | (artistic
rendition of building; jpeg/graphic)
| Operations Center Poster 2 | (36x24
pdf file of text)
The Operations Center houses the operations of two major functions vital to institution operations:
1) The Grounds Department which has the responsibility of developing and maintaining walks, drives, trails and landscapes for use by hundreds of thousands of visitors throughout 426 acres of mountainous terrain, and
2) The Maintenance Department which is charged with maintenance and repair of Arboretum facilities, equipment and vehicles. The function of Central Receiving will also be handled on this site.
The facility consists of several shop and storage areas linked together around a common courtyard where equipment can be maintained away from the visibility of the visiting public and secured during non-operating hours. The Maintenance Shop includes separate work areas for the trades of carpentry, plumbing, equipment maintenance, HVAC, and welding. This gives skilled workers the ability not only to make necessary repairs but also to fabricate a wide variety of specialized tools and accessories for the institution. Work areas will include an automotive shop and vehicle washing station for both N.C. Motor fleet and Arboretum-owned vehicles. A composting and soil mixing area with covered storage well as a pesticide mixing building will also be included. Office space is provided as well as adequate lavatory and break room space for the growing number of staff.
As part of this High Performance Building program, many innovative concepts have been implemented in the design of this building. Some (but not all) are listed as follows:
In the future, rainwater runoff from the roof will be captured and reintroduced into the irrigation system, reducing demand on new water usage;
a portion of the roof is a "Green" (vegetative) where rainwater is filtered before being reintroduced into the irrigation system;
In the future, solar panels on the roof will preheat water before it goes to the water heater, reducing the total temperature increase required;
windows on the clerestory are operable, which allows for natural air flow, minimizing HVAC requirements;
the workshop portion of the building is not be air conditioned, but has natural air circulation;
geothermal heat pumps are used as a heating and cooling source, reducing the HVAC requirements greatly.
This is a partial list of things being done in this building, but the entire design concept was one of being "Green", innovative and environmentally responsible.
| Operations Center brochure | Operations Center Poster 1 | Operations Center Poster 2 |
