For my thesis project I designed a zero energy spec office building in downtown Jackson, MS. 

The site is located on W Amite St. and N Gallatin St. just west of the center of downtown. The area along N Gallatin St. is being redeveloped into a tech district for the City of Jackson. 

This would be one of thirteen zero energy buildings in the southeast and the first on Mississippi. Zero energy buildings present a challenge to the southeastern United States due to the cooling and dehumidification needs of buildings in the summer. 

In order to reduce heat gain for the building overhangs were implemented on the dominant southern facade. Operable triple glazed Low-E windows were specified to reduce heat gain and allow for natural ventilation on mild days.  

660 Solar panels line the roof and overhangs to produce more energy than the building is projected to use annually.

A ground source heat pump system is buried in the rear yard of the office. The ground loop supplies cooled water for three air handling units inside of the building. This provides cool air to the building in the most efficient way available.

Above

A grasshopper script designed to determine the amount of space needed between rows of solar panels. If proper space is not allowed panels will cast shadows on each other reducing the amount of energy produced. 32 degrees is the optimal angle for Jackson, MS, the same as it’s latitude, but a 10 degree angle allowed for more panels to be placed on the roof increasing overall energy production.