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Detroit Arsenal Administrative Building Achieves LEED Gold

 

LEED Gold White

 

Neumann/Smith designed the new 227,000 sf, eight-story, LEED Gold administrative office building to house 1,100 people being relocated to the Detroit Arsenal.  The project also includes a six-level parking structure with 1,802 parking spaces.

 

The bold rectangular mass was designed to provide highly efficient office space in a compact envelope.  Inspired by pre-war high-rise buildings in New York, the stately edifice has a commanding presence, yet fits well into the architecture of the Base.  The plan is virtually column free and allows a great degree of flexibility for space planning.

 

A close working relationship between the design/build team, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Base personnel, including weekly coordination meetings, was key to the success of this complex project.  Formal partnering and teamwork enabled the project to be completed two months ahead of schedule.

 

The team's attention to detail and ability to meet special Department of Defense criteria for antiterrorism measures and security while working within a very aggressive 
design and construction schedule earned 
exemplary partnering ratings.   

 

This
 project is featured in CAM Magazine's Special Issue, Construction 2011.  Click here to read the article starting on page 74. 

 

While you're there, take a look at another one of our projects featured in the special issue, Hillside Place Residence Hall at Michigan Technological University, starting on page 40.

Design/Build Team Earns High Partnering Ratings

USACE PICS

Sustainable Design 

 

This LEED Gold facility is the first certified project on the base.  LEED criteria were used in all phases of project development to achieve high quality, sustainable solutions.  Sustainable design features include:      

  • The project reuses an urban site that was almost 100% paved surface parking lots. Over 50% of the site was restored to green space with non-irrigated, low maintenance, indiginous plant materials.
  • The parking deck structure utilizes only about 20% of the area that would have been required for surface parking.
  • Light reflecting roof materials negate heat island effect.
  • The building shell, with its mass wall, continuous spray foam insulation and tight air barrier, was commissioned as an Innovation In Design credit.  This, along with the efficient mechanical and electrical design, has led to an energy savings of 25.7% compared to the baseline building performance rating. 
  • To improve air quality and the interior environment, the ductwork ends were shrink-wrapped during delivery and construction to prevent contamination. The building systems were flushed with fresh air for several weeks after construction. Smoking was not allowed in the building during construction or after occupancy.
  • Low VOC paints, adhesives and other materials were used for interior finishes. 
  • Daylight and views were provided to over 75% of the regularly occupied spaces. 
  • Use of over 50% regional materials earned a LEED credit for innovation. 
  • Site waste was reduced by use of pre-fabricated construction assemblies such as the precast concrete and structural steel. Over 96% of construction waste was recycled.  
  • The use of over 38% of materials with recycled material content earned a LEED credit for innovation. 
  • Water use was reduced by over 37% of base line.
All of our projects incorporate sustainable strategies that conserve resources, reduce energy and operating costs, enhance aesthetic goals, and promote health and productivity. Over 60% of Neumann/Smith's architects and interior designers are LEED Accredited Professionals with Specialty and we've designed nearly two million square feet of LEED Certified and LEED Registered projects.

For more information contact Gene Carroll, AIA, LEED AP at 248-352-8310

or visit Neumann/Smith's website  

The LEED green building certification program is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of green buildings.  The LEED Certification Mark is a registered trademark owned by the U.S. Green Building Council and is used with permission.

 

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