The design of the Gaige Technology and Business Innovation Building draws inspiration from its natural surrounding. The design of the building mimics the architecture of the existing campus. The three storey building features several sustainable elements, such as rainwater collection and a heat-recovery system.
The building was redeveloped at its existing site, which assisted in conserving the woodland behind it. The doors used in the Gaige Building are made of wood, which is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) for its sustainable origins.
The building has low flow water fixtures and two button flush system in the bathrooms, which bring about saving in water. The facility has motion sensor enabled water bottle filling stations. It has two 35,000-gallon underground tanks which bring about a saving of 92% in potable water consumption.
The underground tanks are used to collect rooftop rainwater (grey water), which, post purification, is used in the toilets, irrigating plants, and for washing building purposes. To capture further grey water, the building has a rain garden featuring native plants, which captures excess rainwater from underground storage tanks, thereby preventing runoff and flooding.
The exterior of the Gaige building has light colored pavers and terracotta tiles. The building has a white roof, which reflects sunlight, thereby saving 26% of energy required to cool the building. The ceilings of the hallways feature sensors that, based on outside light, adjust interior lighting.
During the day, 95% of the area is illuminated by natural light, which translated into reduced energy consumption. All rooms have occupancy sensors that turn lights on and off. The sunshades reduces glare, angling off incoming rays, and this leads to reduced cooling costs.
The Gaige building has 12,000 square feet of layered windows containing argon gas, which offer insulation to the building, thereby reducing heating and cooling costs. Additional efficiency of about 26% is delivered by means of energy efficient thermal windows, LED lights, and motion sensors. About 80% more energy efficient LED fixtures surrounding the building also focus light downward, reducing light pollution.
About 20% of the material used in Gaige building is of recycled origin, such as steel beams, metal studs, aluminum panels, ceiling tiles and concrete blocks. Construction of the building diverted 87% of all construction waste from the landfills by means of recycling or used as fuel.
The exterior façade has been created using using terracotta tiles on the walls, which also makes the entire building waterpoof. Inside, the building has extra wide hallways, increased use of natural light, and advanced temperature regulation. The lobby offers 360 degree views of the outside space.
