Two 7group Projects Achieve LEED Certification

During the second quarter of 2011, the Rainbow Elementary School of the Coatesville Area School District and the King+King Architects Headquarters were awarded LEED certification.

Built on the site of the existing elementary school, the 113,695 sf Rainbow Elementary School located in Coatesville, PA, accommodates 750 students and will serve as the model for future sustainable schools in the Coatesville Area School District. Through collaborative efforts between Gilbert Architects and 7group, the project obtained LEED Gold (Schools v2.0) certification in June of this year by incorporating several sustainable strategies. Energy consumption was reduced through the use of geothermal wells and classroom dedicated heat pumps, which also provide individualized thermal comfort. The new facility was constructed of 45% locally-sourced building materials, and over 90% of all occupied spaces including all classrooms are naturally lit. Careful consideration of the site and use of indigenous plants, allowed the project team to eliminate the need for an irrigation system.

Having outgrown their existing office, King+King Architects chose to renovate an expanded 1913 farm equipment assembly plant and furniture warehouse to serve as their new headquarters located in the Near West-Side neighborhood of Syracuse, NY. The firm strongly hopes to be a catalyst for redevelopment of the local community, which has high-rates of social, economic, health and unemployment challenges. The brownfield location of this new headquarters was also chosen for its proximity to bus routes and walking or cycling distance for many of the firm’s staff, and the location alone reduces total commuting miles by about 25,000 miles. The building’s design uses half the energy and water of a typical new building, and 95% of spaces in the facility are daylighted. All power for the building will be provided by solar panels mounted on the roof, along with purchased wind power. Low emitting materials were used throughout and highly effective ventilation systems with personal controls were utilized. By incorporating these sustainable strategies (and others), the project earned LEED Platinum (NCv2.2) certification in April of this year.

With these projects, 7group has now collaborated on 70 LEED certified projects, and is excited to continue partnering with innovative teams developing leading sustainable designs.