ARCH NEXUS SAC
Arch Nexus is an architectural firm based in Utah and California. They provide services in architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, land planning, energy, and SEED. The firm focuses on specialisation, to enhance the diversity of the workplace environment, while fostering collaboration.
Arch Nexus SAC is the given name to the Sacramento office, which was designed according to sustainability standards. In order to achieve this, Arch Nexus adopted the Living Building Challenge Certification 3.0, and the LEED Platinum 4.0. This allowed the workplace to thrive not only as a comfortable office environment, but also as an example for sustainable and regenerative spaces in the future.
RE-USE
An important aspect of creating a building sustainably, is not creating one at all. Arch Nexus chose to renovate an older, existing building rather than construct a new one, therefore reducing the amount of landfill waste produced. Materials that were not reused, were collected and recycled.
WATER TREATMENT
California frequently suffers from drought and water crisis. Arch Nexus SAC strives to combat this, by collecting rainwater and treating it onsite. Additionally, the company uses waterless urinals, composting toilets and low flow fixtures.
ENERGY EFFICIENT SYSTEMS
Arch Nexus SAC has an Energy Use Intensity (26) that is less than half of a typical office building. This was achieved through the use of a highly efficient LED lighting system, thin client computer workstations, operable windows and optimised building envelope. An air-cooled Variable Refrigerant Flow HVAC system is also used.
SOLAR
Generating electrical energy onsite is made easier by reducing the energy footprint. Arch Nexus SAC features solar panels on both the roof and parking canopy, which produce 70% more energy than is consumed.
DAYLIGHT
Arch Nexus SAC utilises daylight harvesting devices to illuminate the office interior with soft diffused daylight at all times of the day.
CHEMICALS
Following the International Living Future Institute ‘Red List’, all materials included in the project were labelled Red List Free.