February/March 2008
PROJECT PROFILE
C O N T E N T S
Project Profile: Rangeview Three at Centerra
Chapter News: Meet the Staff
Regional Roundup: Northern Colorado a Hub of Sustainability
Executive Director Corner : Putting Down Roots & Establishing Branches
VISION
Promote responsibility for Colorado's environmental legacy.
MISSION
Advance and promote sustainable planning, design, construction and operation of the built environment through education, improving industry guidelines, policy advocacy, and information and resource sharing.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tom Hootman, President
RNL Design
Dana Kose, Vice Chair
M.A. Mortenson
Jeff Pring, Secretary
Aardex
Jim Bradburn, Treasurer
RMH Group
Mike Lowell, Advocacy Chair
US GSA
Mike Doody, Memberhip Chair
Herman Miller, Inc
Josh Radoff, Director At Large
YRG Consultants
Sue McFaddin, Director At Large
Seven Generations
Michael Haughey, Education Chair
Silvertip Integrated Engineering
Greg Borst, Events Chair
Swinerton Builders
Daniele Loffreda, Communications Chair
Plateau Enviro Associates
Conor Merrigan, EGB Chair
C2
Sustainable Development Consultants
Deb Kleinman
Executive Director
Colorado Building Green is the official newsletter of the U.S. Green Building Council – Colorado Chapter, and is published bi-monthly. If you are interested in submiting a story, ideas or other information for publication, please contact the editor at dgloffreda@msn.com
Rangeview Three at Centerra Blends Tenant Productivity
and Environmental Responsibility
McWhinney’s
newest lakefront office building prioritizes
indoor
environmental quality and sustainable
sites
by
Thomas M. Wuertz, AIA, LEED AP Design Principal,
RNL Design
Rangeview Three at Centerra in Loveland, Colorado was a sustainable project before it was ever designed. Developer McWhinney Enterprises embraced sustainability and the natural environment at Centerra, long
before it was popular. Centerra, site of the Rangeview Office Campus , carefully incorporates the area's natural features which not only highlight the surrounding beautiful lakes and landscape, but also protect the sensitive native habitat. Additionally, McWhinney in conjunctino with McStain Neighborhoods created the High Plains Environmental Center (HPEC) within Centerra to be stewards of the natural environment. The HPEC offers programs and resources for nature-lovers of all ages to explore and celebrate the connections between sustainable living and the built environment.
Connecting Occupants and Natural Landscape
It is within this context that the Rangeview Three, a four story, 61,000 square feet Class A office building, has been designed. The s sustainable design features in the building serve to connect the occupants to the extraordinary natural landscape and to enhance their health and comfort while at work. With miles of bike trails connecting all parts of Centerra, McWhinney encourages bicycle commuting and travel throughout the development. Bicycle storage, changing rooms, and shower facilities have been incorporated into the design of the building. Located just out of the wetlands buffer zone, Rangeview Three's design carefully controls and pre-treats stormwater to protect the surrounding native habitat. The landscape design takes advantage of the abundance of native plants, incorporating them into the building site, and blurring the line between natural and developed land
"Rangeview Three is designed to be a positive contributor within Centerra" |
This design philosophy also reduces the amount of water required for irrigation by over 30%. Views from all areas of the interior of the building have been preserved, creating a very tangible connection to the outdoors. Occupant health and comfort is critical to the design of the building. The building design very carefully considered strategies that increase productivity, reduce absenteeism, and protect against sick building syndrome. The use of low-VOC (non-toxic) materials, clean ducts, and new, high-quality air filters insure good indoor air quality in the building after construction. Outdoor air delivery and control of environmental tobacco smoke control help insure that good indoor air quality is maintained throughout the life of the building. These strategies protect against sick building syndrome and help reduce absenteeism. HVAC design that enhances thermal comfort, natural daylighting, and views to the exterior work together to create a work environment that is conducive to high levels of productivity and comfort.
In addition, mechanical and electrical systems have been designed, installed, and commissioned to assure that they meet stringent energy efficiency criteria, water efficiency, and reduce toxic waste materials. The building is designed to embrace the idea of resource efficiency from ‘cradle to cradle’. This includes: incorporating recycling, both during construction and in the finished building; using materials with high recycled content; using materials that have been extracted and manufactured locally; and by utilizing rapidly renewable materials.
McWhinney's commitment to LEED has been growing ever since the first office building at Rangeview was designed. When Rangeview One was designed, LEED was in its infancy and did not have wide spread market reach. Regardless, Rangeview One was sustainably designed. Rangeview Two was designed following the LEED checklist but was not submitted for certification. The third, as noted here, is currently being certified at the silver level for LEED Core & Shell and Rangeview Four has been planned to achieve gold.
Rangeview Three is designed to be a positive contributor within Centerra. The sustainable strategies that have been incorporated demonstrate McWhinney's commitment to its built environment having a natural connection to the native landscape at Centerra.