Rainwater collection and gray-water recycling support all non-potable uses for a net positive water result. More than 90% of demolition and construction waste was recycled or donated—including recycling 99% of metals—with many of the existing materials being repurposed to minimize the need for new ones. Outdoor courtyards also were cut into the interior of the building to provide direct access to the outdoors and to bring daylight to interior workspaces. More than 130 solar reflective tubes were added to this space and to the roof to provide additional daylight inside.

Photo courtesy Jacobsen Construction

This level of sustainability is central to the client’s vision, and Architectural Nexus shared its lessons learned from other Living Building Institute projects with Jacobsen and the trade partners. The philosophy behind this process aims to enable buildings that are not simply “less bad” for the environment but also to design and build spaces in a way that makes them truly regenerative. The revamped space also includes nature-inspired murals, open workspaces, hoteling offices, lounge areas, design labs, community meeting spaces, a café and a gym.