Skanska USA, a provider of construction management, preconstruction, and design-build services, moved its Philadelphia Metro office moved to a newly designed, highly energy-efficient space in Blue Bell, Pa.
The new 19,100-sf office was built by Skanska’s Special Projects Group and is expected to achieve LEED for Commercial Interiors Gold certification from the USGBC.
In keeping with Skanska’s commitment to being green, the new office features numerous innovative, environmentally-sound elements. For example, all counter tops, carpet tiles, and stone tile flooring contain 40% recycled content. In addition, Skanska utilized renewable materials for finishes, such as Lumicor accent panels (which are R4 recycled resins made from crushed recycled glass) throughout the office.
The office’s layout also allows for a natural daylight-based lighting scheme. Combined with the use of Energy Star-rated computers and appliances and new energy-efficient lighting throughout the office, the new space is expected to significantly reduce energy costs in the first year. The optimal design also provides Skanska’s employees with an open atmosphere, allowing for more collaboration, interaction and communication amongst coworkers.
The project was completed on schedule in just four months. The architect was KlingStubbins. +
Related Stories
| Aug 19, 2011
How and why AEC professionals choose flooring systems
Design and construction professionals who completed our flooring survey had strong opinions about their preferred flooring type.
| Aug 19, 2011
Underfloor air distribution, how to get the details right
Our experts provide solid advice on the correct way to design and construct underfloor air distribution systems, to yield significant energy savings.
| Aug 19, 2011
Enhanced acoustical design
Ambient noise levels in some facility types are trending up and becoming a barrier to clear communication between building occupants.
| Jul 22, 2011
The Right Platform for IPD
Workstations for successful integrated project delivery, a white paper by Dell and BD+C.
| Jul 22, 2011
High-performance windows and doors
Learning objectives After reading this article, you should be able to: Understand issues of thermal performance and energy efficiency in relation to window and door systems; describe optimal detailing of the window-wall interface and how it contributes to building performance, sustainability, and occupant well-being; understand how durability contributes to sustainable windows/doors; and list sustainable O&M requirements for window and door systems.
| Jul 21, 2011
Falling Architecture Billings Index reflects decrease in design demands
This months Architecture Billings Index (ABI), provided by the American Institute of Architects, is almost a full point lower than last month’s reported score. June’s reading of 47.2 was short of the required 50 to achieve billings increases, making July’s reading of 46.3 an unwelcome sign of market tidings.
| Jun 29, 2011
New leadership role for architects in net-zero design
BD+C Editorial Director Rob Cassidy talks with RNL Design's Tom Hootman, AIA, about the changing role of architects in net-zero designs.