Located in the vibrant heart of Atlanta, GA, the Ralph McGill Campus project comprises three high-rise towers totaling nearly one million square feet of mixed-use space, including office and multi-family residential units. Tasked with achieving LEED Gold certification, ENERGY STUDIO’s team led the crucial early-stage integrative design process that focused on energy modeling, envelope optimization, and compliance services to ensure sustainability and efficiency and LEED Gold Certification.

Olson Kundig designed the building to maximize the use of natural resources and integrate seamlessly with the surrounding urban landscape. The design features high floor-to-floor heights and optimized floorplates to enhance spatial daylight autonomy, which is crucial for the extensive use of glass. The design also incorporates significant public spaces, including a plaza that connects directly to the planned light rail station on the Atlanta BeltLine, promoting sustainable transportation options. The site's design respects its historical significance, with architectural elements that provide views towards downtown Atlanta, symbolizing a bridge from past to future.

Challenges Faced

1. Regulatory Compliance and Sustainability Goals: The project aimed to meet stringent LEED Gold standards and IECC 2009 compliance, requiring meticulous planning and advanced technical strategies, particularly given the complex's significant use of glass, which covered over 70% of the façade.

2. Urban Integration and Market Differentiation: Positioned in a competitive real estate market, the project needed to appeal to tenants demanding green, energy-efficient buildings. The challenge was to integrate sustainable design without compromising aesthetic and functional quality.

Solutions Provided

1. Integrative Design Process: From the schematic design (SD) through design development (DD) to construction documents (CD), our approach involved continuous energy modeling to guide design decisions and optimize building performance.

2. Envelope Optimization Study: Early involvement allowed us to conduct a comprehensive envelope optimization study. This was crucial for selecting appropriate glazing that would comply with energy codes and contribute to LEED certification. The selection process included a detailed analysis of options based on U-value and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), identifying 6 viable options out of more than 25 assessed.

3. LEED Documentation and Compliance: Our team managed all aspects of LEED documentation and ensured that every design decision supported the LEED Gold goal. This included strategies for reducing solar heat gain while maximizing natural daylighting, which is essential for enhancing occupant comfort and reducing artificial lighting demand.

4. Advanced Energy Modeling: Advanced energy modeling was essential to meeting IECC 2009 and local codes, especially with the high percentage of glazing. This helped demonstrate compliance and optimize energy performance, ultimately influencing the project's choice of feasible glass types and manufacturers.

Outcomes

The Ralph McGill Campus has set a benchmark in integrating sustainability with commercial viability. The project achieved LEED Gold certification and enhanced tenant attraction and satisfaction through its high-performance building envelope and optimized energy usage. The early decision to employ envelope optimization and rigorous energy modeling was pivotal in navigating the complexities of code compliance and sustainability certification, ensuring cost-effectiveness and project success.