	SDA Projects:

	Residential Design

	Commercial New Building

	Commercial Rehab/Modification

	Government & Non-profit

	Schools & Colleges

	Public Utilities

	Power Systems Engineering

	Building Integrated PV

	Data Acquisition & Monitoring

Steven Strong's The Solar Electric House A consumer's guide to solar home design, by the pre-eminent authority on renewable energy systems.

solar canopy sparks interest at MITRE

SDA engineers a visible symbol of sustainability for high-tech R&D center

This dramatic BIPV entrance canopy both functions and fascinates

Location: Bedford, MA USA

Client: MITRE Corporation

Use: High-tech R&D campus

Background:
The campus of MITRE Corporation in Bedford, Massachusetts, is a hive of activity for over 2,000 scientists, engineers and support staff.
The company envisioned a gateway building that would:

welcome and orient visitors to MITRE's six-building complex
offer amenities such as a coffee shop, cafeteria, meeting and conference spaces
provide a venue for informal collaboration among staff.

Laminate detail on Mitre Corporation PV installation Special Features:

SDA consulted with design architects The Stubbins Associates on the engineering of a dramatic building-integrated photovoltaic canopy at the building's entrance
An SDA-designed rooftop array employs a non-penetrating mounting system to provide additional solar electric generation for bulk-power harvest
Our custom Data Monitoring System keeps visitors and staff aprised of the power being generated by the building's PV systems:

Mitre's real-time data monitoring system is a source of constant interest to employees

Outcome:
In the collaborative development process, the architects were keen to incorporate clean technologies and sustainable building elements into the design. The result is a showplace of striking modernity that excites and inspires.

The BIPV canopy has quickly become an icon at MITRE, energizing staff and visitors alike with its ever-changing play of light and shadow timed with the movement of the sun.
The Data Monitoring Sytem provokes ongoing lively discussions among staff scientists and visitors, and increases the visibility of the 'living systems' of the building.
The MITRE Center has received a Silver LEED Certification Rating, one of only 400 buildings nationwide.

"We're delighted with the LEED Silver rating for this building. The solar canopy is working out great - everyone who enters the building is fascinated by it.

"Another great thing is that the staff can view the real-time monitoring system that's charting the energy generated by the canopy and roof array. It's a wonderful source of client pride to have these visible indicators of their commitment to renewables, and a great incentive to do more.

"What I like about Steven Strong and SDA is that they know how to work with architects. They have credibility and huge experience, and are honest about what the technology can do. Also, their customer service is excellent; they follow through and always provide good documentation."

Chris Leary, Project Architect
Vice President, Stubbins Associates

SDA specializes in using state-of-the-art sustainable technology to plan, design, install and commission some of the most innovative renewable-enersystems in contemporary architecture.

We seek out, qualify and implement the applications most appropriate for our clients' needs. We welcome inquiries from architects for all commercial and large residential design projects.

Please contact us with your design requirements.