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 | Mar 13, 2018
Using workplace data to create connected communities
Workplace data is being put to use by corporate service groups to provide a better employee experience and empower the businesses that are their customers.
Office Buildings | Mar 12, 2018
Sound advice on workplace design
Thoughtful design, paired with a change management program to educate staff, can both enhance connectivity and minimize distractions.
Office Buildings | Mar 6, 2018
C.F. Møller Architects and Arkthing win competition to design Icelandic bank building
Landsbankinn is Iceland’s largest bank.
Glass and Glazing | Mar 5, 2018
New $5 Billion Apple Headquarters Has a Glass Problem
The substantial use of glass on the interior of Apple Park has caused headaches for some employees, literally.
Office Buildings | Mar 2, 2018
Give your HQ some heart: Creating branded workplaces
These days, if your office space isn’t a true reflection of your brand, you’ve missed a big opportunity to connect with your audience.
Office Buildings | Mar 1, 2018
The top seven floors of Macy’s State Street store will be converted to office space
The deal is worth $30 million.
Office Buildings | Feb 23, 2018
Why the 'cultural fit' doesn't fit
Evidence shows that companies that hire on or emphasize cultural fit struggle to innovate and change.
Office Buildings | Feb 20, 2018
New Tommy Bahama HQ looks to ‘Make Life One Long Weekend’ for its employees
Approximately 400 employees will occupy the SkB Architects-designed space.
Office Buildings | Feb 20, 2018
Flex and co-working office spaces create value for users, tenants, and developers, according to a new survey
More landlords see these spaces as “long-term solutions.”
Office Buildings | Feb 19, 2018
Large photovoltaic “wings” help eliminate emissions from this Italian headquarters building
The wings have a surface area of over 1,100 sm.
