Amazon has completed construction of the first two buildings of its second headquarters, located in Arlington, Va. The all-electric structures, featuring low carbon concrete and mass timber, help further the company’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2040 and 100% renewable energy consumption by 2030.
Designed by ZGF Architects, the two 22-story buildings—comprising 2.1 million sf of space and 50,000 sf of retail space—are on track to become the largest LEED v4 Platinum buildings in the U.S., according to a statement from ZGF.
By using low-carbon concrete mixes and CarbonCure technology, the project achieved a 20% reduction in the concrete structures’ carbon footprint, compared to the industry baseline. ZGF incentivized trades to experiment with mixes and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The firm’s open-source LCA calculator enabled construction partners to assess proposed concrete mixes and measure their impact.
The buildings capture and reuse rainwater, shower water, and HVAC condensation—helping to achieve 50% water savings below building code and recycle 7.5 million gallons a year. And more than four-fifths of all construction waste materials—including concrete, drywall, metals, wood, cardboard, and plastic—were diverted from landfills. This prevented over 17,000 tons of material from entering landfills.
Amazon funded the renovation and expansion of the adjacent Met Park—turning an underused green area into a public park. In addition to the central green, the 2.5-acre park features a children’s playground with a jungle gym, small and large dog parks, and a community garden. Art pieces have been placed along the park’s forest walk.
The buildings feature 19 rooftop terraces, eight of which can be occupied. On a farm terrace, Amazon employees can volunteer to grow herbs and vegetables that will be donated to community organizations. The two towers also have more than 3,000 operable windows.
On the Building Team:
Owner: Amazon
Developer: JBG Smith
Design architect and architect of record: ZGF Architects
MEP engineer: GHT Limited Consulting
Structural engineer: Thornton Tomasetti
Construction: Clark Construction
Related Stories
Office Buildings | Jan 29, 2020
Zaha Hadid Architects to build OPPO’s new Shenzhen HQ
ZHA sees your two connected towers and raises you another two.
Wood | Jan 24, 2020
105,000-sf vertical mass timber expansion will cap D.C.’s 80 M Street
Hickok Cole is designing the project.
Office Buildings | Jan 22, 2020
Headspace expands Santa Monica corporate HQ
Montalba Architects designed the project.
Office Buildings | Jan 19, 2020
Internet platform connects its employees with mile-long staircase in new HQ
Color also plays a big role in the interior design of this 19-story building.
Office Buildings | Jan 16, 2020
Jaguar Land Rover’s Advanced Product Creation Centre has the largest timber roof in Europe
Bennetts Associates designed the project.
Office Buildings | Jan 14, 2020
The workplace should be a tool for improving employee engagement
A survey of 1,600 North American workers hints at what workplace elements have the greatest impact.
Office Buildings | Jan 9, 2020
NFL’s Packers and Microsoft add an innovation center to a fledgling business district
The goal is to nurture startups aligned with local industries.
Office Buildings | Jan 9, 2020
Foster + Partners to design Alibaba’s new offices in Shanghai
The firm won a design competition for the project.
Sponsored | HVAC | Jan 6, 2020
Four Ways Building Systems Create Long-term Profitability
When accounting for the total cost of ownership and the potential return on investment, owners and developers should consider total energy usage, the lifespan of building systems equipment, the recruitment and retention of occupants, and lease rates.
Office Buildings | Oct 28, 2019
LEGO opens the first phase of its new Billund, Denmark campus
C.F. Møller Architects designed the project.