High Performing Buildings - Spring 2009 - (Page 25) Photo © marc Cramer This northern view of the building shows the old foundry façade that serves as the main entrance of the building. Generally, the lower half of the building is used for storage and interior truck docks (identified by the brown brick façade), while the office spaces are located on the upper levels. Sustainable building Strategies The building was erected on the site of an old foundry built in 1890. The original façade of the foundry was integrated to preserve the patrimonial heritage. One-hundred percent of the steel materials, 82% of the wood materials and 92% of the brick from the foundry was reclaimed and reused for the new building or otherwise recycled. Three-quarters of the materials used in the old building were diverted from landfills. For the new building, more than 80% of the residual construction materials were recycled. For the new materials, when possible, those without volatile organic compounds or formaldehyde were used. Recycled materials also were used in many different components. The new building was constructed of steel and concrete. Steel was used for most of the large spaces due to spans, rapid installation, lower cost and high recycled content. After being washed and painted, 64 35-ft beams from the old foundry were reused in the construction of the roof over the office area. Concrete, used elsewhere, contains 27% fly ash to replace cement. spring 2009 Plumbing systems The plumbing system was designed to reduce the amount of potable water used. Rainwater and grey water from the sinks is treated on site and reused in the dual flush water closets and low-flush urinals. The green roof does not have an irrigation system since it is designed following xeriscaping principles. Overall, 30% less potable water is consumed, while 50% less potable water is used for sewer conveyance. Building envelope The building envelope was designed with skylights that allow light to penetrate multiple building levels Performing Buildings 25 HigH
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