Midwest Offices, Natural Resources Defense Council
Photo: Steve Hall © Hedrich Blessing
Location
Chicago, IL
Status
Completed 2013
Client
Natural Resources Defense Council
Type
Office
Size
7,800 sf
Sustainability
LEED Platinum Certified, Living Building Challenge Petal Certification
Tags
In keeping with the NRDC’s mission to be the “Earth’s Best Defense,” the design of its new Midwest Office demonstrates the organization’s commitment to a cleaner, stronger environment.
In addition to achieving LEED Platinum, the Midwest Office is the first project of its kind to meet the rigorous certification requirements of the Living Building Challenge.
Pursuing these sustainability goals simultaneously presented numerous challenges such as incorporating reclaimed and recycled materials—of which not a single component could appear on the LBC’s “RED list” of forbidden substances.
Transformed into paneling, reclaimed wood trim moldings create a fluted surface that defines the space. The design’s rope wall and columns provide a structure for climbing plants, filtering the air and providing natural beauty. Felt-wrapped tectum panels and recycled glazing were incorporated into the new space, and pre-owned furniture elements were sourced and refurbished.
Photo: Steve Hall © Hedrich Blessing
Photo: Steve Hall © Hedrich Blessing
Photo: Steve Hall © Hedrich Blessing
Photo: Steve Hall © Hedrich Blessing
Photo: Steve Hall © Hedrich Blessing
Photo: Steve Hall © Hedrich Blessing
Photo: Steve Hall © Hedrich Blessing
The NRDC office is the first of its kind to achieve Living Building Challenge certification.
Photo: Steve Hall © Hedrich Blessing
