Designed with an open plan to bring employees together and foster better communication, collaboration, and idea sharing, the new building is a four-storey 208,000 square-feet 21st century workplace.
Built as two office blocks, the new facility is connected by an 80 feet high glass atrium, which incorporates a “green roof” with a terrace that accommodates 500 associates for conferences and receptions.
Herbs and vegetables are grown in the rooftop garden, which can be used in the building’s 10,300 square feet cafeteria. It can also help absorb rainwater and reduce the amount of stormwater runoff from the building. Apart from that it can also create wildlife habitat, and help to lower surrounding air temperatures and reduce the heat island effect.
The building also features high-efficiency low-flow fixtures throughout to reduce water use by 50%, which amounts to 1.8 million gallons of water saved per year. ‘Daylighting’ strategies help make the most out of natural lighting and reduce the need for electric lighting significantly. The maximising heating and cooling mechanical system performance reduces energy consumption to well below the level experienced in typical buildings.
Improving the indoor environmental quality of the workspace for employees, carbon dioxide sensors have been installed, which will supply 30% more fresh air than required by code. Apart from that low volatile organic compound (VOC) paints, adhesives, sealants, carpets, and other finish materials have used throughout to make the workplace more environment-friendly.
It is the City’s first double LEED Platinum rating from the US Green Building Council (USGBC) for both Core & Shell and Commercial Interiors.
