Project Outline
AECOM, the corporate parent of EDAW/ENSR, has a companywide initiative
to create a more sustainable organization. When the Seattle office
began their search for a new office in the area, the initiative was
essential to management’s decision on the location. One of their first
priorities was to choose an office building which is LEED certified and
have their new space within the building LEED certified as well. The
historic Dexter Horton Building was a perfect fit as it is downtown,
close to services, clients and public transportation. It is a
registered historic building and is LEED-EB certified.
Services Provided
GVA Kidder
Mathews’ Sustainability Practice consulted with EDAW/ENSR LEED to obtain
LEED for Commercial Interiors program. The priorities for the office
build-out were to maximize natural light, preserve existing historic
elements of the building and utilize refurbished or recycled materials
where possible. The many windows and unique layout of the building
created a variety of opportunities for natural light. Because of the
narrow layout, desks were placed towards the middle of the open office
layout and circulation was kept on the exterior to fill the entire
office with natural light. All service related areas were purposely
kept off the window walls to insure natural light. Several of the
multiple occupancy spaces, such as the lunchroom, were located in the
brightest corner of the floor. All conference rooms utilized glass
walls to insure natural light throughout spaces.
EDAW specifically asked the building management to preserve existing
windows and create operable windows where possible. All window frames
were repaired for energy efficiency while maintaining their historic
character. Nearly 70% of the floors in most areas were repaired and
maintained, eliminating the need for new flooring. The design also
utilized several historic features of the space including the old mail
slots, which were kept to create a design feature within a conference
room.
The office utilized refurbished materials where possible. Two unique
opportunities were the lunchroom table, which was taken from the
gymnasium floor of a local high school and the reception desk which
utilized salvaged wood.
How GVAKM Added Value
GVA Kidder Mathews’ Sustainability Practice worked closely with EDAW,
SKB, their architecture firm, and Howard S. Wright, the general
contractor, to complete the project and create a unique, environmentally
friendly office space. The project received a Gold certification, the
second highest designation in the LEED system. EDAW has moved into the
office and is extremely happy with the results of the process, and their
employees take advantage of the many examples of the green office.
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Dexter Horton Building
Seattle, Washington |
