Boston, MA––March 18, 2008 – Boston based architectural firm Bergmeyer Associates, Inc. is among those leading the charge of sustainable buildings and high performance office space. In collaboration with Shawmut Design and Construction (www.shawmut.com), a leading national construction management firm, who shares their commitment to the design and construction of spaces that incorporate indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and site lines to exterior views, Bergmeyer Associates completed a new sustainable office space eligible for LEED® Gold Certification. The architectural firm, who designed the space, is joining a handful of other corporate offices in the city in sustainable design and construction of their new home at 51 Sleeper Street in the Fort Point neighborhood.
The 28,000 square foot Sleeper Street locale is far more eco-friendly, encompassing the firm’s commitment to green design, both in their client work and internally. The decision to go green was made early, from the conceptual design phase, and helped Shawmut facilitate a smooth construction process with few last minute changes. David Tubridy, President of Bergmeyer Associates, recognized that their clients value sustainable design, whether to increase productivity or to align with their mission, sustainable design was becoming a component of nearly all of their client conversations. Their own office now acts as a showcase of what is possible.
Bergmeyer Associates did not go far to find their new office space, relocating from just around the corner on Congress Street. Coming from a more cavernous and closed workspace, the new location offers great health and productivity benefits for employees and the products and design choices exhibit clear environmental advantages. With raw concrete floors in the heavily trafficked areas and Teknion demountable walls, the space exemplifies minimization of waste. Air quality was a major consideration in the design process, and there is an increased fresh air supply and no VOC finishes. Windows line the perimeter walls and individual offices were constructed in the center, which allows for maximum natural light infiltration. Ambient lighting was installed near the windows and operates on an astronomical clock, minimizing the need for artificial light.
Demountable walls and fluid carpet will allow flexibility in the redesign of the space without creating additional waste or incurring additional costs. Although more costly upfront, the Teknion walls will completely eliminate drywall demolition waste. As the walls are not built into the floor and ceiling – they are installed after construction – there are no breaks in the carpet layout, which means the firm can rearrange their space without replacing carpet, an approach that is both green and cost effective.
About Shawmut Design and Construction
Shawmut Design and Construction is a 100% employee-owned company headquartered in Boston with offices in New York, Providence, Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and New Haven. Shawmut is a leading ENR top 100-ranked national construction management firm providing client-oriented services in the following markets: Academic, Commercial, Corporate Interiors, Cultural and Historic Preservation, Healthcare and Science, Gaming, Restaurants, Retail, Spas and Health Clubs. For more information, visit Shawmut’s website at www.shawmut.com.
