The Lofts of Washington University Receives LEED Platinum Certification

The Lofts of Washington University has been awarded LEED Platinum Certification from the United States Green Building Council. The project received 84 total points out of only 80 required to achieve platinum, the highest level of certification. This 167-unit student housing and retail complex located in the Delmar Loop area of University City, Missouri, features a United Provisions grocery store and the 24-hour Peacock Loop Diner. The $80 million project was built on 4.5 acres which were previously occupied by underutilized buildings and surface parking.

Together with the University, the project team was striving for platinum certification throughout the design and construction process. Cole’s contribution includes working closely with Paric, the General Contractor, on pollution prevention during construction. In addition, Cole utilized a creative approach to stormwater management with a 25,000 gallon cistern to harvest rain water, several rain gardens for bioretention, and assisted DTLS Landscape Studio on a green roof. Cole has been involved in many LEED Certified projects on the Washington University campus, but this is the first LEED Platinum Certification for both Cole and the University.

Designed to minimize impact on the environment while creating healthy spaces for people, it is anticipated that the project will be 46 percent more efficient than standard construction. Architects Tao + Lee and William Rawn Associates are responsible for the solar thermal panels which heat 25 percent of the buildings’ hot water, solar photovoltaic cells providing 10 percent of the electrical needs, and exterior aluminum sunshades serving as both a cooling element and a unique design feature.

The Lofts is the first model of its kind for Washington University. The mix of uses brings new amenities to the neighborhood and has created a positive dramatic change for the Delmar Loop built environment.

Stribling Hall Receives LEED Silver Certification

Stribling Hall at the Missouri Military Academy (MMA) has recently been awarded LEED Silver Certification by the United States Green Building Council. Cole worked with M+H Architects on the demolition of existing Stribling Hall and construction of a new 6,000 SF building and improvements to the main entry of the campus and drop-off area. Cole’s contribution to LEED Certification included a stormwater pollution prevention plan, calculations for dedicated open space, drought tolerant native landscape design, and a tree shadow study complete with the selection of highly reflective paving materials. Our additional responsibilities included site grading, storm and sanitary sewer design, AutoTurn analysis, and consultant coordination for geothermal well layout and associated piping.

Ensuring that our projects endure through smart and skillful design and implementation is an intrinsic part of what we do here at Cole. Whether it’s water quality, material reuse, or energy efficient construction methods, we incorporate sustainable practices wherever possible. Our success lies in allowing sustainable elements to drive design decisions and subsequently integrate seamlessly with the built project. Stribling Hall, which was completed in early 2012, is the 10th LEED Certified project on which Cole has worked and the second on the MMA campus.

Sustainable Land Lab Finalists

Great news! Our team’s submission for the Sustainable Land Lab competition has advanced to round two. The Sustainable Land Lab competition is an initiative that was born from the Sustainable Cities conference hosted by Washington University’s Office of Sustainability. Area design teams were encouraged to propose innovative projects that transform vacant lots into assets that advance sustainability. Our talented partners Rosemann & Associates invited us to collaborate on their idea of a Chess Pocket Park. This outdoor community chess venue intends to provide a location for a local chess club which combines chess lessons, community chess mentors, community values, strategic thought, and sustainable lessons on systems and materials through club maintenance of the grounds. Our site is located at 2713 North 14th Street which is very near the Crown Square urban redevelopment area – a project on which Cole also partnered with Rosemann & Associates.

We’ll soon be busy further developing our concept for submission after the first of the year. In February the list will be narrowed to eight teams. Learn more about the Chess Pocket Park and some of the other great ideas from our fellow finalists here: http://sustainablecities.wustl.edu/land-labs-competition/submissions/

Working with Washington University

Cole has been busy at Washington University in St. Louis, MO. This thriving partnership was kicked off in 2009 when we completed a Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District approved campus-wide stormwater master plan. The plan is presently used to expedite approval for future projects and has guided the development of Cole designed projects such as Brauer Hall and Green Hall. These adjoined buildings make up the School of Engineering and Applied Science complex located on the nine-acre Danforth Campus. Both projects have received LEED Gold certification from the United States Green Building Council.

Speaking of green, we’re working with the progressive facilities team at Washington University on the first green roof associated with their main campus. Our calculations for stormwater quantity and quality are being guided by the incorporation this green roof on a current student housing project. The terraced garden area with surrounding views will mitigate water runoff and function as a place for students to gather and relax.

Cole has also had a big role in campus connectivity, pedestrian/bicycle safety, and traffic flow. We designed 1,200 feet of new ADA accessible sidewalk for shared use by pedestrians, bicycles and emergency vehicles. As part of the project, three bike parking nodes were designed with pervious pavement in order to offset requirements for stormwater detention.

Additional work around campus includes the design of storm and sanitary sewer systems, exterior improvements, design of Best Management Practices (BMP’s), ADA accessibility design, and assistance on LEED certification coordination.

We are thoroughly enjoying our collaboration with Washington University as these and many other projects contribute to their commitment of helping students grow academically and socially. Check out our work on this state-of-the-art campus:

Keep an eye out for future WUSTL updates and others as our campus portfolio continues to expand!