CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Mark Goodman & Associates, Inc., has unveiled plans for 310 N. Sangamon, the largest office building in the U.S. to achieve Passive House certification. Located in Chicago around the corner from Google’s new Midwest headquarters, the 12-story building will offer 268,000 square feet of office space, and 7,800 square feet of ground-floor retail.
Passive House buildings follow a rigorous set of design principles that work with building systems, insulations and windows to create an air-tight structure, resulting in energy efficiency and a reduced ecological footprint. Built to such ambitious standards, these buildings require little energy for heating or cooling with the end goal of keeping the indoor temperature consistent every day of the year, regardless of weather.
“Chicago’s business landscape is fast becoming a dynamic haven for entrepreneurial and creative industries and we’re incredibly proud to lead the way in low-energy buildings that promise to become the next generation in office design of the future,” said Mark Goodman, president of Chicago-based Mark Goodman & Associates. “While Passive House construction is big in Europe, this will be the largest office building on American soil to offer this type of energy efficiency.”
Goodman noted while the energy savings of Passive House buildings can be significant– using up to about 75 percent less heating energy and cooling energy than most buildings, according to the Passive House Institute US (PHIUS) – it’s how these buildings can enhance employees’ well-being that is the most impressive.
“Not only are there studies that show eco-friendly office space like those found in Passive House buildings can improve health and productivity, but it’s also the day-to-day tangible benefits that workers will appreciate,” said Goodman. “Just think how many times employees find themselves complaining about the temperature in an office, fiddling with the thermostat or buying a fan or heater for their desk because they’re either freezing or boiling. There is definitely something to be said for having an office at the same steady comfortable temperature every day, especially in Chicago where the weather is constantly changing.”
As part of the Passive House standard and best‐practice ventilation design, the building will provide filtered, tempered 100 percent outdoor air through a dedicated ventilation system. According to Goodman, the fresher air should keep employees more alert and less sick.
With Chicago-based SCB serving as the architect for the building, every design detail will be geared to be energy efficient, said Goodman. “The interior spaces will have a sleek, modern design with low volatile organic compound (VOC) finishes and furniture to avoid out‐gassing, which lowers air quality and may have short- and long-term adverse health effects,” he said.
As Chicago continues its rapid expansion, Goodman noted 310 N. Sangamon will surely become one of the most sought-after buildings for eco-conscious firms looking to take advantage of its premier location.
310 N. Sangamon features a modern loft building design with office space dedicated to floors 3 -12 and an indoor parking garage for 47 cars on the second floor. Office tenants will have access to common spaces such as a fitness room, outdoor terrace and bike storage room. The building is located three blocks from the new CTA Morgan Station and in proximity to Google and McDonald’s Midwest headquarters.
For more information, visit www.mgachicago.com.
