Rating: U.S. Green Building Council LEED-CI, v.2 --Level: Gold (36 points)
4240 Architecture is a national design firm dedicated to creating architectural, planning, and interior solutions that integrate social, technological, economic, environmental, and aesthetic concerns.
The firm recently moved its Denver office from its Lower Downtown (LoDo) location to a former steel-pipe foundry in the River North (RiNo) district. The firm is the first professional-services company to relocate to this emerging neighborhood.
Environmental Aspects
The building is located within easy walking distance of public transportation. The project includes storage space for bicycles as well as showers and changing areas. Water-efficiency strategies, including low-flow fixtures and automatic faucet controls, reduce the project's potable water use by more than 25%.
The project team implemented zoning for different areas of the largely open space to optimize conditions for various uses and solar orientations. The team also installed a heat-recovery system. Windows and skylights provide daylighting, and the open floor plan allows the daylight to reach deep into the building. Occupancy and daylighting sensors control the electric lighting. The firm purchases green power to offset all electricity, natural gas, and commuting energy use.
The project team worked to preserve as much of the original building as possible and even designed interior spaces around a collection of existing cranes and foundry equipment. Of the project's furnishings, about 45%, by value, were salvaged from the firm's previous studio. Of the new furnishings, 35% were extracted or manufactured within 500 miles of the site. The team selected all adhesives, sealants, paints, coatings, carpet systems, and wood adhesives for their low chemical emissions.
Owner & Occupancy
Owned by Sprung Construction, Corporation, for-profit
Occupants: Corporation, for-profit
Typically occupied by 75 people, 40 hours per person per week
