GAF project profile - Goodwill of the Great Plains

Empowerment by design: Goodwill of the Great Plains net-zero energy, accessible building.

JC Roofing and Insulating, CMBA Architects and GAF set out to develop a groundbreaking, net-zero energy and accessible building for the Goodwill of the Great Plains in Sioux City, Iowa. The facility, opening in March 2025, will house the integrated day services, life skills programs and day-habilitation programs for those with physical and cognitive disabilities in the greater Siouxland area.

Coordination is key

This building is expected to receive net-zero status or certification sometime in the next year! And so, creating an energy efficient building while meeting a wide range of accessibility needs requires an unprecedented level of coordination amongst a project team. Unlike typical construction processes where tasks can be completed sequentially, continuous collaboration and communication were crucial to address on-site challenges and effectively meet the building's accessibility and sustainability needs. The project's energy saving systems and universal design principles required a holistic approach where decisions impacted multiple aspects of the building's function and usability.

Adaptability was also essential, as demonstrated when the team switched from a mechanically attached insulation roofing system to a fully adhered roofing system. This change eliminated approximately 30,000 screws that would have penetrated the decking, significantly improving the roofing assembly’s thermal performance. 

The initial plan included a half-inch layer of high-density polyisocyanurate (HD ISO) on top, for which the team used the GAF EnergyGuard HD Polyiso Cover Board. While the team considered removing this layer, project partners from JC Roofing and Insulating emphasized its importance. "With solar panels covering 90% of the building, the HD ISO layer beneath the 60 mil membrane is essential for supporting the added weight and ensuring long-term performance," shared Gregg Wilson, Project Manager at JC Roofing and Insulating.

The fully adhered roofing system provided the building with stronger durability, greatly boosting its potential longevity. The unprecedented level of coordination among the project team not only facilitated the successful integration of its potential net-zero energy and accessibility features but also critically enhanced the building's resilience.

Picking the right products

To mitigate potential complications that can arise with complex projects, the project team relied on products that would help create efficiencies and deliver benefits for the space, such as GAF's SA Vapor Retarder XL. The product utilizes a streamlined application process that does not require a primer, saving time and supporting both sustainability and accessibility goals.

"The SA Vapor Retarder XL is a game-changer for roofing projects,” said John Cain, founder of JC Roofing and Insulating.  “Its impressive thickness and tackiness provides exceptional sealing around penetrations like screw holes, while its user-friendly application process — just peel, stick, roll — offers substantial labor savings.” 

Putting sustainability first

Goodwill of the Great Plains believes in making a difference not just through community support, but also through caring for the planet. The building’s project partners were determined to honor the organization’s deep commitment to sustainability and set out to create a net-zero energy building that reflects Goodwill's mission. 

They achieved this by integrating solar panels throughout the building, which allows it to produce as much energy as it consumes annually. The building also uses a geothermal system with over 60 wells.

Additionally, reflective features were incorporated into the building design to help reduce heat gain and enhance energy efficiency. By using white reflective TPO on the roof, the team helped minimize the sun’s heat absorption as the TPO reflects solar energy away from the building, lowering the building’s overall energy consumption and cooling costs.*

“By designing a net-zero energy building with innovative features like integrated solar panels and a high-performance building enclosure that includes reflective roofing, we're not only reducing our annual energy use but also demonstrating that sustainability and social impact can go hand in hand” shares Eric Coleman, Project Architect, at CMBA Architects.

Going beyond code to truly make an accessible building

Goodwill of the Great Plains serves individuals in the greater Siouxland community with a wide range of accessibility needs. To ensure that the new building will effectively serve the community, project partners sought innovative solutions to redefine design norms and exceed standard building accessibility requirements.

In one example, recognizing that traditional bathroom designs often require considerable space for various accessibility features, the architects developed a doorless, two-sided bathroom entrance concept by rethinking conventional spatial arrangements. They strategically positioned walls and fixtures to craft a layout that allowed for easier navigation and use of the space by individuals with varying mobility levels. This two-entrance, no-door concept eliminates a traditional barrier providing quicker access to essential fixtures.

By putting people and the planet at the heart of this design, project partners not only created a functional and inclusive building, but a space that will continue to give back to the community for years to come. 

Architect: CMBA Architects, https://cmbaarchitects.com

Roofing contractor: JC Roofing and Insulating South Sioux City, Nebraska, https://jcroofing.com