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Farr Associates Office:
A LEED-CI Pilot Certification
The Monadnock Building, designed by John Root, is located in the heart of the Chicago Loop. Upon completion in 1891, the Monadnock was the world's tallest masonry bearing wall structure and still is.
The building hosts an array of retail amenities such as restaurants, a flower shop, a barbershop, a “shoe hospital” and jeweler, all maintaining the same look and feel of 1893.
This LEED Commercial Interiors (CI) pilot project involves a 3,200 square foot office build out for a sustainable architecture and planning firm.
SUSTAINABLE SITES
Development Density and Alternative Transportation
Rather than constructing a new space, an existing site was chosen for rehabilitation. Choosing this type of site prevents urban sprawl and developing on greenfields. It was also selected for its central location in the heart of Chicago. The Monadnock building is in the center of a mass transportation system that is surrounded by two hundred train, bus, and ‘L’ stops, enabling all office staff to take public transportation to and from work.
ENERGY & ATMOSPHERE
Green Power
Green Power is electricity generated from renewable resources such as solar, wind, geothermal, small and low-impact hydropower, and biomass. This has proved to be environmentally preferable to electricity generated from conventional energy sources such as coal, oil, nuclear power, and natural gas. The office purchased 100% Green Power for two years from Renewable Choice Energy. This purchase of 29,789 kWh prevents for two years 41,466 pounds of CO2 pollution. This is equivalent to taking four cars off the road or planting six acres of trees. We intend to purchase another two years of Green Power, as soon as the previous commitment is finished.
INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
Air Quality
Since people spend 90% of their time indoors, we selected finishes and paints that contain low volatile organic compounds or VOCs. VOCs are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids, and have no color, smell, or taste. They include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short and long-term adverse health effects. Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors. VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products numbering in the thousands. Examples include: paints and lacquers, paint strippers, cleaning supplies, pesticides, building materials and furnishings, and office equipment such as copiers and printers. EPA's Total Exposure Assessment Methodology studies found levels of about a dozen common organic pollutants to be 2 to 5 times higher inside homes than outside, regardless of whether the homes were located in rural or highly industrial areas.
The milk-based paint we used contains beeswax, lavender and cloves, natural materials that do not emit any VOCs. All adhesives used in the space and in the furniture are low VOC. The recycled carpet has a Green Label Plus Certification, a rating that ensures carpets with very low emissions.
Ventilation
Because of the corner location, differential exterior wind pressures provide cross ventilation. Occupants have the ability to control their indoor environment and allow natural ventilation.
Daylighting and Views
The abundant windows and tall ceilings that were designed for the rudimentary lighting in the 1890’s allow for full advantage of natural lighting and expansive views from every corner of the office.
MATERIALS & RESOURCES
Interior Finishes
The interior is outfitted with sustainable and local materials. Twenty percent of the building materials were manufactured within 500 miles of the Monadnock building, and 10% contain high-recycled content. The office is furnished with salvaged and refurbished furniture; our conference table is a salvaged, antique bowling lane. The linoleum surfaces are made from solidified linseed oil, a renewable resource.
Recycled Content
- Bentley Prince Street Recycled Content Carpet
- 3 Form products
Resource Reuse
- Conference Table
- Vertical Files
- Office Chairs
- Flat files
- Book Shelves
Renewable Resource
- Forbo Marmoleum Dual Tile
- Forbo Tackboards
INNOVATION IN PRACTICE
Green Cleaning
Our office only uses environmentally friendly and/or Green Seal approved products to clean the space. The purpose of this is to minimize health risks due to cleaning while keeping our air and space free of toxins. While janitors must consistently work with harmful chemicals, this practice ensures their health is not affected while cleaning our space. The employees have the benefit to be in a work environment that is not constantly being covered with toxins.
For more information about these or any other projects, please contact info@farrside.com.
