IFAW World Headquarters
Category: LEED Building
Project name: IFAW World Headquarters
Location: Yarmouth, MA
Project Architect: DesignLab Architects
The new World Headquarter Project for the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) consisted a new ground-up building with a total of approximately 55,000 square feet of space including 2 finished floors and the basement level. This impressive building was brought about in order to allow IFAW to consolidate all of its staff and services into one centralized location.
At the start of the pre-construction phase, IFAW had established the goal to have the entire project LEED certified at the conclusion of construction. Through diligent management of the project and by J. K. Scanlan working with the design team, it was decided early on that we could do better than only being LEED Certified, and the goal was changed to a silver rating, and the project ultimately concluded with a LEED Gold certification. By establishing the material calculator early on during pre-construction, we were able to identify which components from the “Materials and Resources” would be achievable, and then focus our energy on making sure that these credits were achieved. Of particular significance to IFAW was to ensure that, to the greatest extent possible, the wood materials which were used on the project were at least from managed forests, if not FSC rated. By managing the materials with extreme diligence, we were ultimately able to achieve this credit, and had a total of 56% FSC wood products in the building. Even more impressive was that in addition to the FSC material, an additional 34% of the products came from managed forests. This achievement is quite remarkable when you consider that there is over $2 million in wood products in the building between material and installation.
Amount the most notable “green” features of IFAW World Headquarters are the methods of rainwater treatment employed on-site, such as the use of bioswales and rain gardens to absorb all turnoff form the parking lot. All wastewater in the building is treated on-site and a state-of-the-art septic system incorporates advanced wastewater treatment to treat and infiltrate 100% of the domestic wastewater generated by the facility on-site. Due to the sensitive nature of Cape Cod’s ecosystems and the location of the site in a Zone of Contribution to a public well, a high level of treatment was desired for this project. Dual-flush toilet fixtures and low flow aerator faucets will reduce water consumption by 46% compared to a building meeting the current federal standards.
One of the most impressive components of the Headquarter Building was the 3-story glass curtain-wall system which strengthens the connection with the exterior landscapes, increasing views and allowing natural sunlight into the building. The use of frit glass, a glass with a shading pattern silkscreened on it, and wooden louvers protects against solar heat gain in the summer while allowing sunlight to warm the major spaces in the winter.
Client Testimonial
"I would like to thank and congratulate you for the terrific job you did in constructing our new international headquarters..." Read More
