LEED

Ecological Harmon Hotel in Healdsburg With LEED Gold Certificate

Open and airy, combining clear glass and slatted wood which forms balustrades and frontages

22 June 2019 From Bridget Monk Filed Under: 2019, Featured, Green Building

The latest of a trio of boutique hotels in Healdsburg has been designed to fit in with the California wine-lands environment. And it’s succeeded to the point that a LEED Gold certificate is currently being processed and expected to be issued soon to Harmon Hotel which has joined the h2hotel and deluxe Hotel Healdsburg in the area.

All designed by David Baker Architects in collaboration with Piazza Hospitality to fill different niches, the newcomer is seen as being a little more relaxed than the deluxe Hotel Healdsburg and a little quieter than the h2hotel. But it is nowhere near relaxed or quiet when it comes to its position as an ecohotel, and in reaching the designers’ goal of fitting in with the environment.

Using Wood and Glass as More than a Facade

The facade that greets visitors, although on a narrow plot fronting the street, is open and airy, combining clear glass and slatted wood which forms balustrades and frontages which run horizontally on the left side and vertically on the right. Between the two sections, the staircase to the three stories is clearly visible through a glass wall, softening the effect of the straight lines of slatted wood. Side walls are solid wooden panels, comprising carefully arranged wooden planks.

Healdsburg Harmon Hotel in California by David Baker Architects areal view — (David Baker Architects)

Healdsburg Harmon Hotel terrace in California by David Baker Architects — (David Baker Architects)

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Yet, the hotel seems surrounded by greenery. This is not surprising as outdoor space accounts for close on half the site. Featured in this space is a raised wooden walkway over the lush gardens, which carefully avoids and curls round tall trees, and finally bridges Foss Creek, a stream that passes close to the hotel.

On the top floor of the hotel, an indoor/outdoor bar and lounge area overlooks the green roof of its partner h2hotel, as well as providing views of the Fitch mountain and Sonma hills.

Saving the River

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There’s also a great amount of greenery that’s not in the plants, and that’s the green features which have earned the hotel the LEED Gold certification. First on the list is the restoration of the riparian habitat at Foss Creek. This is being achieved by planting native varietals in almost half the landscaped space, And also as a result of implementing a stormwater management plan that reduces stormwater runoff by 25% and removes almost all particulate matter; rainwater harvesting and a high-efficiency irrigation system controlled by current weather conditions, which cuts water usage by half.

A Long List of Green Features

Other steps taken by the Harmon Hotel include solar thermal water heating; and water-efficient low-flow plumbing fixtures capable of saving 35% in terms of water usage.

All wood used is FSC certified and the wooden slat system is designed to reduce solar heat gain. And heat emitted by the building is reduced by the highly reflective roof and underground parking garage. An energy efficient VRF heat pump provides for heating and cooling. While natural lighting is provided through the many, and large windows, LED lighting is available in the suites for guest comfort.

Aiming to increase energy efficiency inside and outside the hotel, Harmon has provided a fleet of 26 bicycles for guests to use and set up 6 electric vehicle charging stations. Guest cars are lowered in lifts to an underground garage.

Healdsburg Harmon Hotel facade in California by David Baker Architects — (David Baker Architects)

Healdsburg Harmon Hotel bedroom in California by David Baker Architects — (David Baker Architects)

Healdsburg Harmon Hotel reception in California by David Baker Architects — (David Baker Architects)

LEED Gold For In Topography Embedded Gateway Arch Museum And Visitor Center In St. Louis

The roof is 99 percent vegetated

03 February 2019 From Paul Münzner Filed Under: 2019, Featured, Green Building

The landmark Gateway Arch in St. Louis is an impressive monument, and its museum and visitor center as well as the surrounding parkland have recently been updated to improve the visitor experience and the facility’s sustainability profile. The result is LEED Gold certification for the center and a prestigious achievement for Cooper Robertson and James Carpenter Design Architects and their project partner, Trivers Associates.

Going For Gold: Gateway Arch Museum and Visitor Center’s Sustainability Credentials

The Gateway Arch construction project shows that LEED Gold isn’t just about a completed building and how it functions, but also the construction process, the materials chosen, and the locations from which they are sourced. It follows through to waste and rubble disposal, energy consumed during the project, and water consumed during construction.

The unique nature of the project – a structure that’s largely under a grassy mound – allows for some of the green features and figures, but the roll is nonetheless impressive. The roof is 99 percent vegetated, for example, and helps to mitigate city “heat island” conditions while more than 80 percent of construction waste was disposed of on-site thanks to the need for fill.

An additional fortunate “accident”, the site’s existing location, was also responsible for one of its other sustainable features – proximity to public transport. Nevertheless, its location could not have been more convenient had it been selected by design and the outdoor landscaping caters for both individual or family recreation and public events.

Proactive initiatives and smart design account for many of the project’s other achievements. For example, materials were sourced no further than 500 miles from the site, interior materials were chosen for low emissions and better indoor air quality, and wood products suppliers’ credentials were carefully vetted.

Leed Gold for Gateway Arch Museum and Visitor Center in St. Louis Usa — Gently inserted into the topography (James Carpenter Design Architects)

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Working from calculated baselines, water-saving measures like low-flow nozzles reduced clean water consumption to 37 percent below the norm. Meanwhile, energy savings during construction were calculated at 24 percent below what would ordinarily be expected and waste was carefully sorted and collected for recycling where possible.

People-Friendly Exterior Landscaping

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The exterior landscaping is also worthy of note. Previously, a series of interconnected squares had led to the visitor center situated beneath the central arc of the monument. Now, the lines of the park space were re-contoured, reflecting the curve of the monument, throwing the center into prominence, and creating aesthetic balance.

But looks aren’t everything in a sustainable landscape where people are among the beneficiaries to consider. As a result, the park has been landscaped to allow for outdoor relaxation and events while additional benefits include the transformation of a car park into a landscaped garden. Natural soil amendments and soil mixtures were used to restore the soil here so that it would be able to support vegetation.

Keeping the Mississippi Cleaner, Cleaning and Cooling Air

Finally, a less obvious feature of the park makes its contribution to its other environmental benefits. City runoff pollutes water bodies, but the park is designed to keep the river cleaner. City storm water is gathered in cisterns here, protecting the river from some of St Louis’ city grime.

The scale of the park is sufficient to give it value as a carbon sink and as a means of softening the city microclimate. Meanwhile, the updated museum and visitor center lies at the heart of the visitor experience while providing an example of sustainable construction techniques and green building technology.

Horizontal Skyscraper in China Open to The Public Next Year

Soon The Highest Skybridge in The World

24 August 2018 From Paul Münzner Filed Under: 2018, Featured, Green Building

The growing Raffles City Chongqing complex boasts several firsts for China and the world. It’s crowning glory, a 300m “horizontal skyscraper,” set atop the tall, residential and commercial towers, is certainly among the biggest talking points. So much so, that the hoisting of its first section was televised live on prime-time Chinese television. The complex, consisting of eight towers, four of which are joined by the accordion-shaped upper conservatory area, and a lower podium featuring six floors of retail space and a transport hub, comprises a total of 1.12 million square meters. The upper skybridge is the world’s highest and links the world’s greatest number of towers besides offering a unique community space.

Horizontal Skybridge, Called Conservatory, Soon The Highest Skybridge in The World

Construction of the new urban complex takes five years, but the structure is not only impressive from the inside. The curving façade represents a tribute to the sailing boats that plied the Yangtze River and Jialing River, and the two rivers converge at the site of the waterfront property chosen for the Raffles City Chongqing complex. With such a setting, it was natural to make the most of the potential for magnificent views over the city and the water, and the upper conservatory offers the ability for 360-degree enjoyment of the panorama.

Singapore-based CapitaLand Limited, the company responsible for the construction of Raffles City Chongqing, says that the structure and its horizontal skyscraper conservatory mark a global milestone in construction and structural engineering. The building has certainly received accolades on all fronts, specifically with regard to its livability, connectivity, and sustainability. Raffles City’s designers, Safdie Architects, thoroughly studied the significance of the site to Chongqing before embarking on a design concept that strove to reflect the city’s aspirations while meeting the needs of its people.

Raffles City Chongqing - raffles City Chongqing at night with horizontal Skyscraper — The two northern towers topping out at 350 m (Safdie Architects / CapitaLand (China) Investment Co Ltd)

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Mr. Lucas Loh, CEO of CapitaLand China, said: “Raffles City Chongqing occupies a strategic location on the Chao Tian Men site in Yuzhong District, at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, highly regarded as the crown jewel of Chongqing. Located next to the traditional Jie Fang Bei CBD, it boasts excellent connectivity as it is fully integrated with a transport hub that comprises a metro station, bus interchange, ferry terminal and cruise center. The expected sales launch of our residential tower by the end of this year will present a keenly awaited opportunity for investors to own a piece of this iconic architecture at Chao Tian Men, one of the most sought-after addresses in the whole of China. It will also appeal to foresighted buyers who appreciate the value of Raffles City Chongqing, which stands to grow in tandem with the city of Chongqing.”

The Conservatory – A City District in the Sky

More than just a building, or even a complex of buildings, Raffles City Chongqing represents an urban district. The upper conservatory area won’t be reserved for the select few. Instead, it will serve as a hub for civic activities and public recreation. It features an infinity pool, a patio observation deck with transparent glass flooring, a sky-high green space, and dining amenities.

Raffles City Chongqing - Inside the horizontal skyscraper at Raffles City Chongqing in China — The conservatory with internal streets, building program and gardens (Safdie Architects / CapitaLand (China) Investment Co Ltd)

Raffles City Chongqing - Horizontal Skyscraper rising in China with swimming pool — Swimming in the world’s highest skybridge (Safdie Architects / CapitaLand (China) Investment Co Ltd)

Meanwhile, residential, office, and hotel spaces in the towers are selling fast as the project nears completion, and its developers say that the complex will begin a phased opening process in 2019. The horizontal skyscraper that represents the most remarkable feature of the complex spans four of the eight buildings and is connected to a further two of the eight towers by cantilevered skybridges. The entire project can be seen as, of course, a further impressive South East Asian lighthouse project.

Raffles City Chongqing - Horizontal Skyscraper rising in China - aerial perspective — Raffles City Chongqing is facing the junction of the Yangtze River and Jialing River (Safdie Architects / CapitaLand (China) Investment Co Ltd)

Raffles City Chongqing - Construction work at Raffles City Chongqing with horizontal Skyscraper in China — (Safdie Architects / CapitaLand (China) Investment Co Ltd)

Mr. Lim Ming Yan, President and Group CEO of CapitaLand Limited, said: “Raffles City Chongqing is by far the largest and most complex integrated development that CapitaLand has undertaken. Erecting The Conservatory marks the culmination of five years of construction progress and a grand milestone in outlining Raffles City Chongqing’s image of a powerful sail surging forward, as it prepares to welcome the world in 2019. The hoisting of The Conservatory is not only a significant moment for Raffles City Chongqing, it marks a global milestone in the field of architecture and engineering. Some of the world’s most advanced construction and engineering techniques have been deployed to install this megastructure on Chaotianmen, known as the crown jewel of Chongqing. CapitaLand is proud to have achieved this phenomenal structural engineering breakthrough of connecting skyscrapers, and we will continue to stay ahead of the curve by breaking new grounds in real estate development.”

Confronting Environmental Challenges

Raffles City Chongqing is impressive at a glance, but there’s more to it than meets the eye. The structure presented engineering challenges owing to its exposure to high winds as well as vulnerability to seismic energy. This was overcome through the use of frictional pendulum bearings and seismic dampers allowing the complex to absorb energy through flexibility rather than attempting to overcome stress through rigidity. Energy efficiency also forms part of Raffles City’s ethos. The retail plaza makes extensive use of natural light, and the overall energy efficiency of the complex has resulted in it being awarded LEED-CS Gold Certification by the US-based Green Building Council.

With Raffles City nearing completion, Chongqing looks forward to the opening of a complex that will not only raise its international profile with a notable landmark but also meet the needs of city residents and commercial concerns. And, when busy city life becomes stressful, the horizontal skyscraper conservatory will offer a welcome retreat for those who wish to rise above the bustle for open space, greenery, and enjoyment.

Check out the amazing Chongqing photographer Zhu Wenqiao on Instagram (@wenqiao.z). Details of city life, and scenes from the banks of the Jailing and Yangtze Rivers. He’s also captured the rise of the Raffles City project for more than a year. @CapitaLand pic.twitter.com/Z3PKlVH2ti
— Safdie Architects (@SafdieArchs) 23 May 2018

Raffles City Chongqing - LEED-CS for Raffles City Chongqing with Horizontal Skyscraper rising in China — Pre-certification at the Gold Level for Raffles City Chongqing by the United States Green Building Council (Safdie Architects / CapitaLand (China) Investment Co Ltd)

Raffles City Chongqing - Rendering of rising horizontal Skyscraper rising in China in Raffles City Chongqing — Awarded for LEED-CS Gold Certification (Safdie Architects / CapitaLand (China) Investment Co Ltd)

Raffles City Chongqing - Horizontal Skyscraper rising in China - Interior Rendering — Extensively using natural light (Safdie Architects / CapitaLand (China) Investment Co Ltd)

Sources: Arup, Safdie Architects, CapitaLand

Marina One Topped Out – Versatile Green Building Oasis in Singapore

Energy efficient features like regenerative lift brakes, controlled LED lighting systems, chilled water pumps and advanced air handling units

12 July 2016 From Paul Münzner Filed Under: Featured, Green Building

The German architecture firm Ingenhoven recently announced the topping out ceremony of the Singaporean Marina One. Located in the high populated and the world’s only island city-state, the high mixed-use building evokes memories of a green mountain in the middle of Singapore´s Central Business District (CBD). According to Ingenhoven, the public space is the center of the project and will be the largest public plaza in the CBD. The site area is increased by 25 percent through multiple levels of the central garden.

Marina One in Singapore by Ingenhoven — (Ingenhoven)

“Marina One comprises two office towers including one of the largest trading floors in the world, two residential towers and a retail podium set around lush greenery. It is a role-model for sustainable building in tropical and subtropical megacities.” German architect and lead designer Ingenhoven states.

Marina One’s PV cells make use of the sun’s energy

Marina One with two 34-story residential towers, two 30-story office towers, and a retail podium is situated near the well-known Marina Bay Sands. With a gross floor area of 341,000m², Singaporean’s new high-rise oasis will be completed at the beginning of 2017. Flanked by two large urban parks, the building provides two sky gardens and two high-density floors on levels 28 and 29.

Versatile Green Building

Due to an optimized building orientation and façade, the LEED Platinum pre-certified and BCA Green Mark Platinum certified building has a lower heat gain and disturbing glare on the office floor plates by 20%. Green building products like low volatile organic compound paints, energy efficient features like regenerative lift brakes, controlled LED lighting systems, chilled water pumps and advanced air handling units, as well as water efficient features like a rainwater utilization system, ensure a more sustainable operation of the building. Pedestrians are able to enter the building through underground connections from the Marina Bay and Downtown MRT Station. Furthermore, sheltered bicycle parking and electric vehicle recharging stations support the sustainable mobility at Marina One.

Marina One provides further amenities like restaurants, cafes, a food court, a large supermarket, and event spaces. The fitness club Virgin Active will occupy 26,000 square feet. It also includes an indoor swimming lap pool, an indoor climbing wall, relaxation zones, ice rooms, and yoga studios.

Ingenhoven architects were selected by developer M+S Pte Limited as architect and lead designer after an international competition. The design of the garden has been further developed by London-based landscape architecture practice Gustafson Porter.