Our new headquarters at 311 Financial Way in Wausau, WI has been in the spotlight recently. The building is a veritable tour of green options, literally from floor to ceiling. Here are a few of the highlights which you can look forward to when taking a tour of Wausau, Wisconsin's first privately owned LEED registered facility.
LEED® Certification
The Samuels Group Corporate Headquarters is being developed in accordance with guidelines set by the United States Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) standards and is registered for LEED® CS 2.1 certification. Building owners can achieve LEED® certification awards based on deign/building decisions including sustainable site development, materials selection, water savings, energy efficiency, and indoor environmental quality.
Indoor Air Quality
From the ground floor up, this facility displays its systems of sustainability. The floor is literally one of the ways in which the building is more efficient and healthier for its occupants than your average office structure. VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are a major contributor to indoor air pollution and are thought to contribute to several air quality related illnesses. Our new corporate headquarters at 311 Financial Way will have stained concrete floors and low VOC carpet and carpet backing, which will improve the air quality of the building.
Flooring System
The flooring system in the building, a Tate Access Floor, provides highly configurable data and electrical access as well as reduced energy costs and improved indoor air quality. The floor features removable panels which give access to data and electric lines, making them far more configurable and cost-efficient than ceiling mounted lines. The underfloor air distribution system improves air quality and worker productivity by using natural physics to distribute air, reducing electricity usage on fans and keeping pollutant filled air at ceiling height instead of pushing it down onto workers. The heating and cooling of the building is delivered by highly efficient systems which recirculate air rather than continually tempering outside air.
Daylighting
Freedom in ceiling design from the lack of ducts and cabling allows greater usage of daylighting in the building. The deck to deckspread, which is the height of each individual floor, is greater on this building than a traditional office building allowing more daylight to be available to help save energy. The use of High end low E glass, which is reflective tinted glass, absorbs winter heat and eliminates summer heat. Daylight harvesters activate lights only when there is insufficient light from natural sources, reducing energy consumption and increasing efficiency.
Roof Systems
The roof of the structure also employs several means to make it more energy efficient. The roofing material utilizes color and reflective value to facilitate efficient heating and cooling of the building. The top of the building will house a small rooftop patio, displaying a few of the options available for rooftop gardens. Employees working in the building can enjoy this feature on nice days.
(Tenant Space Available!)
Regional Material Use
The design of the facility also takes the local environment into account. Materials are acquired from local sources whenever possible to reduce the transportation required by vehicles powered by non-renewable resources. Metl-Span panels from Architectural Products of Wausau, glue laminate beams from Sentinel Structures in Peshtigo, Wisconsin and precast from Appleton are some of the materials derived from local sources used in the building process.
Environmental Landscaping
The landscaping of the building has been designed to reflect the local environment. Traditional and native plant species have been selected based on temperatures, humidity and other environmental
factors within the zone four landscape climate. Choosing plant species native to the environment reduces the amount of irrigation needed to sustain the landscape and could eventually eliminate the need to water the landscaping entirely. Irrigation that is necessary will be handled by a 3,000 gallon roof fed cistern, which will collect all rain water runoff. In addition to providing for the irrigation needs of the landscaping, this cistern also lessens the impact of roof runoff on the city sewer system.
Water Conservation
Water usage from fixtures in the building is significantly reduced due to the low flow fixtures and aerators utilized in the fixtures. Dual flush systems in the restrooms reduce water volume by up to 30%. Automatic faucets powered by solar cells further decrease unnecessary water usage. The Samuels Group office will use solar power for all hot water needs for the faucets, dishwasher, and shower. A shower is provided for employees to encourage bicycling or walking as a means of commuting to work.
Transportation
To further encourage the use of bicycles and more efficient methods of commuting for the workers who inhabit the building, bicycle storage and preferred parking for employees that car pool will be available.
Occupant Comfort
All of these features are incorporated into the building in very subtle manners which give the building a pleasing aesthetic. One might think that a building integrating all of these green features would be glaringly nontraditional. Instead, it is a visually appealing, efficient and healthy building which will be a comfortable and enjoyable place to work and visit.
Facility Tours
Visit The Samuels Group Corporate Headquarters and discover the sustainable options available in commercial construction. Tours will be available of the completed facility. Check our Web site for project status and the Green Scene page for details on a tour for your group!
Next Steps
The Samuels Group approaches each and every project with responsible and sustainable design principles. If your organization is looking to achieve LEED® certification and/or reap the benefits of sustainable design on your new or existing facility, contact Jessica at 715.842.2222
Posted By:Samuel Green
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