Gold Hard Hat Award

Outstanding Sustainable Design Project

The original building at 280 S. Pennsylvania was constructed of masonry and timber in 1933. It served as a local grocery store in the middle of a mixed-use neighborhood. Over the years, it was converted to a multifamily apartment; the storefront was replaced with a false stone-and-stucco façade integrated with small residential windows.

The goal of the project was to restore the historic integrity of the building while giving it new life. Incorporating sustainable features was the highest priority. Finishes and building systems were specially selected to create a healthy and inspiring environment while dramatically reducing the building’s environmental impact.

The first step in the process was to remove asbestos from 80% of the interior. Next, interior walls were removed to return the space to its original layout. Ninety percent of the demolished materials were successfully recycled, reused or donated. The front façade was opened up to allow natural light into the space.

The masonry structure was restored and high-performance glass was installed. Modulating light shelves encompassing a storefront system provide shading on the windows and allow indirect light to bounce into the space.

New operable windows and skylights were coordinated with a low-energy swamp cooler to provide building cooling and ventilation. Also, exhaust relief fans create a “whole-house fan” effect for fresh air and natural ventilation. The original hot water heating system was flushed and rebuilt to provide radiant heat to the perimeter.

By reusing the systems, 1,200 lb of steel was reclaimed within the building. All of the exterior walls and roof are super insulated to create a new building envelope now 160% more energy efficient than before.

The sustainable features will qualify the building for LEED-gold certification.

Architectural Workshop Office Remodel
Denver

Silver Hard Hat Award

Outstanding Sustainable Design Project

The Bud Werner Memorial Library expansion project achieved LEED-silver certification despite its mountain location, which usually increases the cost of construction because of cold weather, heavy snowfall and a shortage of manpower and qualified local subcontractors.

The team had to be selective in targeting LEED categories to maximize achievable points without causing the project to go over budget. Construction waste management is usually an economical LEED category; however, Steamboat Springs has only one recycler that does not accept all of the typical construction waste. Some materials had to be hauled approximately 180 mi to Denver to be recycled. In an effort to mitigate transportation costs, the team found a local landfill owner who recycled gypsum board as a soil additive.

The existing facility is built on a layer of soil hardened by minerals and referred to as “ledge rock.” Although the capacity of the ledge rock was adequate for the original facility, it would not bear the weight of the new addition. The ledge rock and unstable material below it had to be removed and replaced with structural fill. Before removing the ledge rock and unsuitable soils adjacent to the existing facility, permanent shoring had to be installed to prevent the existing foundation from destructive settlement.

Because of delays in construction from the overexcavation and shoring, the roofing had to be installed during an unusually snowy winter, requiring a new system to attach the roof.

Bud Werner Memorial Library
Steamboat Springs

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