Providing true housing for families children facing times of extreme stress and turmoil. Individuals dealing with their love ones terminal illness can find refuge at Austin's LEED Platinum rated -Ronald McDonald House. CEO Mr. Kent Burress gave our class a tour of the colorful property explaining all of the details. Just a few steps from the hospital, patients and their parents alike to take a break from reality in this posh property that's equipped with nice views, stained concrete, progressive architecture, solar panels, and the best kitchen appliances. It costs the Ronald McDonald House an estimated $98 per night due to three meals served and onsite counseling services amongst other amenities.It costs families a whopping $10.00 per night. This property was well thought out the architects went above and beyond to ensure that their end users would find comfort from the moment they walked in. The architects went so far as to research through on site observation at other Ronald McDonald Houses watching the flow of families. Once the majority of contractors realized what they were developing they became more engaged in the process.
The original project was estimated to cost $9.5 million however due to Hurricane Katrina causing a spike in materials costs, changing orders, and discovering water below the surface the price rose to $11.3 million. All Ronald McDonald Houses are owner-operated similar to any fast food franchise. They raise funds through generous donations.
Obtaining LEED Platinum is all in the details. The layout of the building receives optimal shading this is known due to sun tracking research. 40% of the concrete is made of fly ash, an industrial waste product, is much cooler than average asphalt or standard concrete. All materials used on the property were purchased within distances of 500 or less miles (reducing emissions in the air for shipping). All appliances are Energy Star savings state of the art appliances. Lights are controlled by motion detectors but keep in mind that 83-86% of the building reivesec natural light, diminishing electrical costs. Bathroom sinks are all powered by motion detectors which operate that feed off natural light. There is also a roof top garden and a lush landscape made up of native plants. The roof top garden fosters a heat island effect in addition to the reflective stone. Instead of using double window panes they opted to go with v-cool film. Last but not least are the sophisticated chilled water plumbing systems and the air systems. The water bill for this huge commercial property averages about $211.00 per month.
I failed to mention that to achieve LEED platinum status the cost differed by an additional 16%. Keep in mind that LEED was in its formative years. Therefore material manufacturers padded the cost for products such as low emissions paints and adhesives. The Ronald McDonald House recourped all LEED expenses in a litle over 2 years through savings.
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