815 Connecticut Avenue NW
815 Connecticut Avenue NW PROJECT LOCATION:
Washington, DC
PROJECT CATEGORY:
Commercial Architecture
PROJECT SYNOPSIS:
Located on a prime site just one block from the White House, the outdated 45-year-old B+ class office building was converted to a trophy building in order to support the owner’s vision for a high-performance, sustainable property that could command higher rental rates from its tenants. The design of this large-scale renovation focused on upgrading the significant exterior and interior areas of the building and implementing the latest technological advances and green initiatives while managing the enormous logistical issues associated with re-skinning a building while it is continuously occupied. The building’s existing exterior precast panel skin was fully replaced with a new horizontal glass curtain wall system. Updating the central power system with new, efficient cooling towers and a new management system resulted in an energy savings of 65 percent. The architects worked closely with the general contractor to oversee the renovation of the fully occupied building and plan a carefully phased construction plan. The central plant replacement was completed at night with minimal disruptions to tenants, while the replacement of the building’s exterior skin of the building was completed in stages. Sustainable design elements played a large role in the design of the building, which earned the project LEED Platinum Certification. Every component and feature, from the modern forward-facing concierge desk to the state-of-the-art fitness center, was designed to evoke a comfortable, contemporary feel. Along with the main entrance, building plaza, and street café, the space helps to reinforce the building’s unique location and position the property as a vibrant urban space.
All Photography by Ron Blunt
815 Connecticut Avenue NW | AIA MARYLAND DESIGN AWARDS 2014
UNIQUE PROJECT CHALLENGES
»» Nearly 50-year-old building structure and systems (built in 1964) »» Energy inefficient mechanical systems and exterior skin »» Small windows that limit exterior light »» Limited corner window line »» Poor building identity and lack of entrance visibility »» Dated building lobby and elevator lobbies »» Inhospitable rear building entry »» Uninviting parking garage access »» Lack of building amenities including a fitness center, rooftop terrace, trash room, and loading dock
Building Exterior: After Renovation
815 Connecticut Avenue NW | AIA MARYLAND DESIGN AWARDS 2014
Location
815 Connecticut Avenue NW | AIA MARYLAND DESIGN AWARDS 2014
Typical Floor Plan
New Building Exterior
Exterior Building: Before and After Renovation
Building Exterior Prior to Renovation
815 Connecticut Avenue NW | AIA MARYLAND DESIGN AWARDS 2014
Facade Re-Skin While Occupied
815 Connecticut Avenue NW | AIA MARYLAND DESIGN AWARDS 2014
New Building Entrance
Building Entry: Before and After Renovation
Building Entrance Prior to Renovation
815 Connecticut Avenue NW | AIA MARYLAND DESIGN AWARDS 2014
New Retail Plaza
Retail Plaza: Before and After
Retail Plaza Prior to Renovation
815 Connecticut Avenue NW | AIA MARYLAND DESIGN AWARDS 2014
Rendering of New Lobby
Building Common Areas: Before and After
Top: New Roof Terrace Bottom: Building Lobby Prior to Renovation
815 Connecticut Avenue NW | AIA MARYLAND DESIGN AWARDS 2014
ENERGY EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENTS
»» Energy efficient / high performance curtainwall »» Increased building BOMA RSF »» High performance cooling tower »» Energy management system »» LED lighting (exterior and public areas) »» Lighting control system »» Photovoltaic panels = 6,000 KWH/Year (exterior lighting) »» Designed to achieve LEED Platinum rating
NEW BUILDING SECTION
Building Section: Sustainability
BUILDING SECTION PRIOR TO RENOVATION
Washington, DC
PROJECT CATEGORY:
Commercial Architecture
PROJECT SYNOPSIS:
Located on a prime site just one block from the White House, the outdated 45-year-old B+ class office building was converted to a trophy building in order to support the owner’s vision for a high-performance, sustainable property that could command higher rental rates from its tenants. The design of this large-scale renovation focused on upgrading the significant exterior and interior areas of the building and implementing the latest technological advances and green initiatives while managing the enormous logistical issues associated with re-skinning a building while it is continuously occupied. The building’s existing exterior precast panel skin was fully replaced with a new horizontal glass curtain wall system. Updating the central power system with new, efficient cooling towers and a new management system resulted in an energy savings of 65 percent. The architects worked closely with the general contractor to oversee the renovation of the fully occupied building and plan a carefully phased construction plan. The central plant replacement was completed at night with minimal disruptions to tenants, while the replacement of the building’s exterior skin of the building was completed in stages. Sustainable design elements played a large role in the design of the building, which earned the project LEED Platinum Certification. Every component and feature, from the modern forward-facing concierge desk to the state-of-the-art fitness center, was designed to evoke a comfortable, contemporary feel. Along with the main entrance, building plaza, and street café, the space helps to reinforce the building’s unique location and position the property as a vibrant urban space.
All Photography by Ron Blunt
815 Connecticut Avenue NW | AIA MARYLAND DESIGN AWARDS 2014
UNIQUE PROJECT CHALLENGES
»» Nearly 50-year-old building structure and systems (built in 1964) »» Energy inefficient mechanical systems and exterior skin »» Small windows that limit exterior light »» Limited corner window line »» Poor building identity and lack of entrance visibility »» Dated building lobby and elevator lobbies »» Inhospitable rear building entry »» Uninviting parking garage access »» Lack of building amenities including a fitness center, rooftop terrace, trash room, and loading dock
Building Exterior: After Renovation
815 Connecticut Avenue NW | AIA MARYLAND DESIGN AWARDS 2014
Location
815 Connecticut Avenue NW | AIA MARYLAND DESIGN AWARDS 2014
Typical Floor Plan
New Building Exterior
Exterior Building: Before and After Renovation
Building Exterior Prior to Renovation
815 Connecticut Avenue NW | AIA MARYLAND DESIGN AWARDS 2014
Facade Re-Skin While Occupied
815 Connecticut Avenue NW | AIA MARYLAND DESIGN AWARDS 2014
New Building Entrance
Building Entry: Before and After Renovation
Building Entrance Prior to Renovation
815 Connecticut Avenue NW | AIA MARYLAND DESIGN AWARDS 2014
New Retail Plaza
Retail Plaza: Before and After
Retail Plaza Prior to Renovation
815 Connecticut Avenue NW | AIA MARYLAND DESIGN AWARDS 2014
Rendering of New Lobby
Building Common Areas: Before and After
Top: New Roof Terrace Bottom: Building Lobby Prior to Renovation
815 Connecticut Avenue NW | AIA MARYLAND DESIGN AWARDS 2014
ENERGY EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENTS
»» Energy efficient / high performance curtainwall »» Increased building BOMA RSF »» High performance cooling tower »» Energy management system »» LED lighting (exterior and public areas) »» Lighting control system »» Photovoltaic panels = 6,000 KWH/Year (exterior lighting) »» Designed to achieve LEED Platinum rating
NEW BUILDING SECTION
Building Section: Sustainability
BUILDING SECTION PRIOR TO RENOVATION
