Alberici, one of the world's leading construction services firms, developed its new 110,000SF headquarters in 2005, aimed at becoming one of only a few LEED Platinum certified buildings in the nation. From the outset, the goal was to create a non-traditional office space that was comfortable, healthy for employees, compatible with the environment, and less expensive to operate. The result was not only the first building in the state of Missouri to achieve the USGBC's Platinum Certification, but at the time it received higher scores in both the LEED and Green Globes rating systems than any building in the world.
Shape
A major challenge was the cultural shift from a closed office environment to an open-office culture. Achieving buy-in for the new open plan environment required the early involvement of all parties. Mackey Mitchell and Alberici studied numerous site options with the final choice being a brownfield site with a 50-year-old manufacturing facility and office building. The consensus was to deconstruct the office building and renovate the manufacturing building for office space and covered parking. The center bay was removed and became a landscaped entrance courtyard. The north bay was converted to a multi-level, 300-car parking structure while the south bay became a light and airy two-story office space. Alberici's wind generator has become a community icon, and the former manufacturing facility was reborn.
Inspire
Through an integrated, collaborative design approach, Alberici now benefits from a healthy, attractive environment that fosters teamwork and collaboration. Newsweek magazine, along with the AIA's Committee on the Environment, recognized the design for its coveted Top COTE award. The facility has paid dividends both intangible and measurable to the company and its people. Employee retention has increased; absentee and sick leave have dropped dramatically. The project received the Business Week/Architectural Record Award: "Good Design is Good Business." Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO and Founding Chairman of the USGBC said, “The LEED Platinum certified Alberici building is a phenomenal example of green design and a tribute to the spirit and intent of the LEED building rating system. This iconic building will serve as a model for future generations of environmentally responsible, profitable, and healthy places to live and work.”
Passion + Perspective
This photo shows early planning sketch with ideas for different parts of the building. These ideas were discussed during an early schematic meeting.
Conceptual building models are often used to communicate the overall massing of the project on the site.
Designing the site and the exterior spaces are as important as the interior spaces. This photo shows an early meeting with the landscape architect to refine the site.
An early site concept plan developed by the design team.
This photo shows construction progressing on the building and the site.
Mackey Mitchell has been innovative, collaborative, and cooperative, but that never surprised me because the firm shares our company's values of integrity, excellence, and passion.
- Bob McCoole (former) Alberici Group President & CEO
