Architectural Workshop: The Design Studio

The Design Studio

280 South Pennsylvania Street was built in 1933 to serve as the ‘corner grocery store’ in a mixed-use neighborhood. Over the years it was converted to a multi-family apartment; the original glass storefront was replaced with a false stone and stucco façade integrated with small residential windows. The interior spaces, divided into two separate units, were dark and closed-off, with almost no exterior light or “connection” to the city street.

The goal of the 280 South Penn renovation was to restore the historic integrity of the building while giving it new life. Incorporating sustainable features was the highest priority. Finishes and building systems were specially selected to create a healthy and inspiring environment while dramatically reducing the building’s environmental impact.

The first step in the process was to remove asbestos from eighty percent of the interior. Next, interior walls were removed to return the space to its original single-unit design. Ninety percent of the demolished materials were successfully recycled, reused or donated during this process.

The front façade was opened up to allow the space to be flooded with natural light. The masonry structure was restored and high performance glass installed. The front façade now consists of recycled composite lumber and perforated metal panels which provide shading on the windows and allows indirect light to efficiently bounce into the space.

New operable windows and skylights are coordinated with a low energy swamp cooler to provide building cooling and ventilation. Also, exhaust relief fans create a “whole house fan” effect for fresh air and natural ventilation. The original hot water heating system was flushed and rebuilt to provide radiant heat to the perimeter. By reusing the system, 1200 pounds of steel were reclaimed within the building. All of the exterior walls and roof were super insulated to create a new building envelope that is now 160% more energy efficient than before. The electrical system was upgraded and new LED light sources are utilized throughout. With low consumption lighting, light sensors and controlled switching, the entire office building operates on less than 60 amps of power. Interior finishes consist of bamboo flooring, cork and recycled carpets. The center of the space features a sunken garden.

The paved areas have been reduced by thirty percent and replaced with low water consumption plantings, gravel and brick pavers. A 500 square-foot garden has been created in the back as a gathering space. The roof was transformed to house solar panels, a roof deck and 6” thick bedding and plantings to create a “green” roof and rooftop garden. The photovoltaic solar panels will provide approximately one-third of the building’s power requirements. Sixty percent of the site is planted or permeable, an improvement from the original site that was 100 percent paved.

With the sustainable features that have been incorporated into the building, it qualifies for a LEED Gold certification. Not only will this little remodel be a superb place to work and conduct business, it will be a shining example of how sustainable design can be incorporated into the everyday life of an urban neighborhood and make a big difference in our world.



HOME + ABOUT AW + PROJECTS + MORE	The Design Studio 280 South Pennsylvania Street was built in 1933 to serve as the ‘corner grocery store’ in a mixed-use neighborhood. Over the years it was converted to a multi-family apartment; the original glass storefront was replaced with a false stone and stucco façade integrated with small residential windows. The interior spaces, divided into two separate units, were dark and closed-off, with almost no exterior light or “connection” to the city street. The goal of the 280 South Penn renovation was to restore the historic integrity of the building while giving it new life. Incorporating sustainable features was the highest priority. Finishes and building systems were specially selected to create a healthy and inspiring environment while dramatically reducing the building’s environmental impact. The first step in the process was to remove asbestos from eighty percent of the interior. Next, interior walls were removed to return the space to its original single-unit design. Ninety percent of the demolished materials were successfully recycled, reused or donated during this process. The front façade was opened up to allow the space to be flooded with natural light. The masonry structure was restored and high performance glass installed. The front façade now consists of recycled composite lumber and perforated metal panels which provide shading on the windows and allows indirect light to efficiently bounce into the space. New operable windows and skylights are coordinated with a low energy swamp cooler to provide building cooling and ventilation. Also, exhaust relief fans create a “whole house fan” effect for fresh air and natural ventilation. The original hot water heating system was flushed and rebuilt to provide radiant heat to the perimeter. By reusing the system, 1200 pounds of steel were reclaimed within the building. All of the exterior walls and roof were super insulated to create a new building envelope that is now 160% more energy efficient than before. The electrical system was upgraded and new LED light sources are utilized throughout. With low consumption lighting, light sensors and controlled switching, the entire office building operates on less than 60 amps of power. Interior finishes consist of bamboo flooring, cork and recycled carpets. The center of the space features a sunken garden. The paved areas have been reduced by thirty percent and replaced with low water consumption plantings, gravel and brick pavers. A 500 square-foot garden has been created in the back as a gathering space. The roof was transformed to house solar panels, a roof deck and 6” thick bedding and plantings to create a “green” roof and rooftop garden. The photovoltaic solar panels will provide approximately one-third of the building’s power requirements. Sixty percent of the site is planted or permeable, an improvement from the original site that was 100 percent paved. With the sustainable features that have been incorporated into the building, it qualifies for a LEED Gold certification. Not only will this little remodel be a superb place to work and conduct business, it will be a shining example of how sustainable design can be incorporated into the everyday life of an urban neighborhood and make a big difference in our world.
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