BASF features

Back to School

Schools are more than a place of learning. Whether it's to discuss local issues, celebrate achievements, or watch a performance, schools are where individuals in a community come together. Let's open up the textbooks and take a closer look. Please turn to page...

 

Chapter 1: Real-World Design

The Challenge

When the Riviere-du-Nord school board in Quebec, Canada, decided to create a model school based on recommendations from its energy consultant, it adopted the stringent design and energy-efficiency standards outlined in the Model National Energy Code for Buildings (MNECB). And then chose to exceed those requirements by 25%. This wasn't going to be an easy project.

The Solution

Enter Tremblay L'Ecuyer achitectes associes, a leading architecture firm based out of Laval, Quebec. Their proposal was not intended to be a showcase of theoretical and academic technical innovation-it was a real-world solution to an existing and defined problem. "We needed to consider new materials and systems," explained architect Denis Tremblay. "But we also had to be prudent."

That meant orientating the school east-west to take advantage of the wind so the school could be ventilated naturally. It also meant marrying novel approaches with readily available materials.

A+ Cost Savings

It was thoughtful design and use of the right materials that created not only an award-winning project, but one that reduced operating costs by $52,000 annually when compared to conventionally designed schools. And BASF was able to help.

Download the full case study to learn how they did it.

 

"We needed to consider new materials and systems."

 

Product Focus: WALLTITE

There were many products used to achieve the energy efficient and cost-conscious design and build of Riviere-du-Nord's model school. But WALLTITE, a medium-density polyurethane spray foam, was key to balancing cost and innovation.

Here's how WALLTITE is made and how best to apply it.

Chapter 2: Environmental Education & Wildlife Habitat

An old industrial landfill site is transformed into a learning laboratory for the community. It's now used by area schools in the study of wildlife habitat and by the construction industry in the study of sustainable design and enabling materials.

Watch how it came together.

 

Shhh...Children Playing

The Children's Museum of South Dakota, USA uses various acoustic panels made from BASF's melamine resin foam Basotect® for sound absorption and noise control in several rooms and exhibits throughout the museum.

Download the case study and see where Basotect® can be used.

 

Podcasts

Why is a highlighter pen fluorescent?

Listen to this short podcast to find out.

 

What's the difference in carbon between a pencil lead and a diamond?

Listen to this short podcast to find out.