TruexCullins

Burlington Financial Office Awarded LEED Gold Certification

We are excited to share the news that our latest workplace design project has achieved LEED Gold certification for Commercial Interiors, meeting the stringent requirements of the LEED 4.1 rating system.

TruexCullins worked with this client for their original move into their downtown office space in 2012.  Now, with a new lease, the space has been updated and expanded to support a growing staff and a more collaborative, hybrid culture.

The project includes a full reconfiguration of existing space and an expansion into a tenant space below, for a total of 21,900 square feet. This is located in a Class A office building which was LEED Certified for Core and Shell in 2013. The original tenant fitup was certified LEED Silver for Commercial Interiors in the same year.

For this project, LEED Gold was accomplished by going even further with energy efficiency, water savings, and more natural, healthy interiors.

An energy model simulation was performed by the design team, calculating a projected EUI of 25.7, representing a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. RECs and carbon credits will offset the balance of the project’s energy use.

The project also received credit for a 35% reduction in water usage and the use of recycled and bio-based materials.  Indoor air quality strategies, abundant daylighting and quality views were integrated into the project with employee wellness in mind, contributing to a natural, healthy interior space.

TruexCullins acted as LEED Coordinator for the project, working closely with Mechanical Engineer Jeremiah Trombley, P.E., of Tru Engineering PLC, and Electrical Engineer Alan Gould of Pearson Associates, a division of DuBois & King. Commissioning services were provided by Cx Associates, and the contactor was ICV / Investors Corporation of Vermont.

A Modern Office Infused with Vermont Character

The design of this office space was inspired by the surrounding landscape of the Lake Champlain basin and reflects the Vermont character of this independent employee-owned firm.

A new internal stair connects both floors, detailed with natural walnut and blackened steel.  Nylon roping with slip knot connections picks up on the nautical theme and relates to a billowing ceiling of sail cloth panels above.

The heart of the newly expanded office is an open kitchen and café space, where the entire staff can gather for meals and meetings. Employees have many options for casual work spots, including lounge seating and window benches lining the perimeter of the space.  A convertible pool table doubles as an overflow dining table.

The new kitchen faces a community meeting and dining space that seats 35, with A/V support for video meetings with off-site colleagues. The natural aesthetic continues throughout this space, with wood finishes, organically-inspired lighting, and a living wall that anchors the room.