ZERO ENERGY OFFICE BUILDING
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FUND
Drawing on Passive House strategies, the design sets a regional standard in sustainability - from both economic and performance perspectives.
A Schnecksville, Pennsylvania apple orchard is now home to the first energy positive building in the Lehigh Valley. This unique, sustainable office building is located in an industrial region generally known for steel production. Designed for the Sustainable Energy Fund, the building is expected to refocus the spotlight on the central and eastern Pennsylvania community seeking to complete new projects with innovative, energy-conscious construction. With its cold winters and hot summers, the Lehigh Valley is a great proving ground to demonstrate the potential of energy-efficient building.
“This project provides a blueprint for achieving net-positive energy within the financial structure of a speculative building,” said Andrew Schuster, Principal of Ashley McGraw. “We were excited to collaborate with a client like SEF who set this bold goal and shares our commitment to regenerative design and the proven value it offers to all stakeholders.”
The new Net Zero Energy office building was designed and built to demonstrate that a Net Zero Energy approach can be used for a leasable office building for a similar development cost to comparable office buildings.
The building envelope is designed for high performance, with continuous insulation and airtight construction to minimize energy use and maximize the comfort of those using the space, including the Schnecksville branch of the Sustainable Energy Fund will operate out of the office space.
Recent Recognition:
Fast Company, Honorable Mention - Architecture, 2021 World Changing Ideas
Featured by Facility Executive
Green Building & Design: “5 Net Zero Energy Building Examples Worth Emulating”
Green Building & Design: “This Net Zero Office Design Sets a New Standard”
THE SEF BUILDING WILL CONSUME ABOUT 25% OF THE ENERGY USED BY COMPARABLE COMMERCIAL STRUCTURES WHILE GENERATING MORE THAN 130% OF THE ENERGY IT NEEDS.
The 15,000-square-foot building will consume about 75 percent less operating energy than comparable structures. Ashley McGraw employed several design and technological strategies for achieving this high standard of efficiency while delivering the project within budget limitations:
The building is oriented on its site—within an existing apple orchard—to take maximum advantage of sun and shade, with its surfaces and openings precisely positioned to minimize energy expenditures
An array of photovoltaic panels mounted on the roof of the single-story building will generate all necessary energy for the operation of the facility
The building envelope is designed for high performance, with continuous insulation and a close attention to airtightness
All building systems—from HVAC to plumbing to electrical and lighting—are selected and engineered for optimal performance
The project’s goal was to build a net-zero energy office building for a similar cost as other commercial buildings in the Lehigh Valley area of Pennsylvania. To set the challenge for our design team, a strict budget was established based on the cost of a similar Class A office building in the Allentown region. In addition, the owner asked that the design meet deep insulation targets including R-40 walls and the Passive House US standards for envelope air tightness of 0.08 ACH75.
Located in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania, it is the first and only net-positive building in this traditional steel-producing region. It will provide over 12,000 square feet of leasable office space and offers shared amenity spaces for tenants, including a conference room/classroom, kitchen, and restrooms.
The project was completed as a design/build project in partnership with TN Ward Company.
Photography: Halkin | Mason Photography
