Ocean County College

Ocean County, New Jersey

Ocean County College is located on a suburban campus in Toms River, NJ. The College required a new 30,000 square foot technology building to house classrooms, computer labs, a tiered lecture hall, offices and other spaces. The program required that the building provide state-of-the-art support for computer and communications-intensive education, and that the building qualify for Silver LEED certification, despite a limited construction budget.

To minimize costs, the HVAC and electrical design utilizes standard commercial equipment in energy efficient systems. The HVAC systems maximize comfort by providing individual room temperature control and dynamic control of summer humidity levels in the building, as well as by minimizing noise in the occupied spaces. The indoor environment was improved by applying equipment that is easily accessible for servicing and constructed for easy cleaning. Ductwork was provided with access doors at regular intervals, which will facilitate duct cleaning in the future.

The lighting design recognizes the problems inherent in spaces that require the use of computers. Glare was minimized by the selection of suitable commercial fixtures utilizing indirect light distribution, parabolic lenses and similar light distribution controls. Motion sensors turn off the lighting in unoccupied spaces, providing energy savings.

Power and data cabling is distributed under the floor in the many spaces that require the use of a computer at each desk or table. Computer power is provided through an isolated ground system. Electronic security locks were provided for all rooms containing computers and/or multi-media equipment.

Since its completion, the facility has provided a comfortable, efficient and quiet venue for instruction, lectures and seminars.