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 16, 2014
Decoupling the professional services firm
Business consultant Tim Williams authored a recent LinkedIn post that highlights the emerging trend among professional services firms toward “decoupling,” or consciously separating the high-value services that are scarce from the low-value services that are plentiful. SPONSORED CONTENT
| Aug 16, 2014
The science of learning: Designing the STEM learning facilities of the future
New technology and changing pedagogies are influencing how to best teach a generation of learners who have never known a world without smartphones or tablets, writes HOK's Kimberly Robidoux.
| Aug 16, 2014
Calatrava in hot water again? Famed architect charged to appear in court in Spanish construction case
The Valencia High Court has requested documents detailing how Calatrava was hired in private, without any publicity, for a convention center project in Castellon. For contracts over a certain minimum value, that is illegal in Spain.
| Aug 15, 2014
First look: RMJM’s 'jumping fish' tower design for the Chinese Riviera
The tower's fish-jumping gesture is meant to symbolize the prosperity and rapid transformation of Zhuhai, China.
| Aug 15, 2014
Periscope structure gives public toilet an unobstructed sea view
Polish architect Adam Wiercinski designs a public toilet with a periscope mechanism that gives visitors unobstructed views of the sea.
| Aug 14, 2014
8 do's and don'ts for completing an HVAC life cycle cost assessment
There are many hurdles to overcome when completing a life cycle cost assessment. RMF Engineering’s Seth Spangler offers some words of advice regarding LCCAs.
| Aug 14, 2014
Life cycle cost analysis using energy modeling
A life cycle cost analysis helps a school district decide which HVAC system to use in $198 million worth of future building projects.
| Aug 14, 2014
Museum of Mayan Culture draws inspiration from temple design [slideshow]
The Museo Maya de América in Guatemala City will be the world’s largest museum of Mayan history and culture, at 60,000 sf.
| Aug 14, 2014
How workplace design can empower employees, businesses
Focusing on recent work at Follett and Zurich, CannonDesign’ Meg Osman reveals the power of research, strategy, change management, and measurement to transform businesses for the better.
| Aug 13, 2014
UIA commits to phasing out CO2 emissions in built environment
The International Union of Architects, representing approximately 2.3 million architects worldwide, has unanimously adopted the 2050 Imperative committing to environmental and social sustainability.