The National Audubon Society is dedicated to conservation and restoration of natural ecosystems. Given this mission, the group wanted its new national headquarters to be designed in an environmentally responsible way. They chose to purchase and renovate a 25,000 sq ft office space in Manhattan. The project ultimately achieved a LEED CI v2 Platinum rating.

Material reuse was an integral part of the design. As part of the natural ventilation system, air is distributed under an 11” raised-access floor which was salvaged (yielding an estimated cost savings of $55,000 compared with a new system). This raised-access floor is one of the most critical sustainability features. Other reused materials include barn planks reclaimed in upstate New York which wrap the walls of the entry-area and fallen trees salvaged from the grounds of the Bronx Zoo which were used as table tops. The end result is an office that is both beautiful and a model of sustainable best practice.

Reclaimed Materials (by application): Raised-Floor System, Wood/Lumber

Key Info
Location: New York
Year completed: 2008
Architect: FX Fowle
Client: National Audubon Society
Contractor: Citadel Construction

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