 The Terry Thomas building has gotten quite a lot of attention from the green community, and for good reason! EnviroCitizen.org was drawn to the Terry Thomas building, located in Seattle, Washington, because it is a perfect example of how a simple design can create a sustainable, beautiful, functional building. It's a four-story, 40,000 square foot commercial structure that is certified gold by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). Practically every aspect of the building was designed with the environment in mind. The exterior is painted white to enhance light reflection for both solar energy harvesting and to allow natural light to indirectly light open office areas. The building was built in a very strategic location, with all forms of transportation nearby. Employees working at the Terry Thomas building can also take advantage of the streetcar system. Employees are encouraged to bike to work, with bike storage and showers available in the building. If employees choose to drive a car to work, priority parking is given to low-emission and fuel-efficient vehicles.
The Terry Thomas building was built on the site of a warehouse that was used as a practice space for Pearl Jam. The warehouse, which had to be demolished, provided 93% of the materials used in the new building. Almost all (98.8%) of the construction waste was recycled, too! Other features of the building, like its water conservation system (which includes low-flow fixtures, waterless urinals and a storm water drainage system), make it especially green. The Terry Thomas building is the first modern building in Seattle without mechanical air conditioning. Instead, the building uses a passively cooled air system, which enhances ventilation and reduces solar gain. The natural ventilation is enhanced with high ceilings and a central court that acts as a chimney, sucking in the warmer air through the floors and up through the courtyard. Exterior shades protect the building and its occupants from solar heat and the white roof keeps the building cool and helps to reduce the urban heat island effect (the effect massive amounts of concrete and buildings have in raising the ambient air temperature in a city). Areas throughout the building are also individually heat-controlled, so that there is not one large system pumping heat throughout the building if it's not needed.
Natural light is one of the highlights of the Terry Thomas building, which reduces the need for temperature management, both in the summer and winter, and also reduces the need for energy to fuel artificial lighting. The building is only equipped with one elevator (which is energy-efficient), which is located beyond the courtyard. The stairs, on the other hand, are located in prominent, easily accessible locations. The Terry Thomas building is a wonderful example of how you can achieve indoor air quality, having been equipped with low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint and other eco-friendly materials. Recycling is mandatory within the building and the use of green products (like recycled paper towels and toilet paper) is encouraged.
EnviroCitizen.org is sure you will agree that the Terry Thomas building is a great example of how a commercial building can be designed that is functional and eco-friendly, without compromising the needs of the employees that work there. |
