When deciding how to handle an increasing need for space for a growing architectural staff, Randall-Paulson Architects was faced with two options: buy property and build a new space or expand on existing historic facilities. The firm ultimately chose character and stayed in their home in the Historic Roswell Mill, a former textile mill re-adapted into a unique contemporary office space. The choice to stay put, lessening the environmental impact of new construction, was one of many that supported the firm’s sustainable outlook.
Our designers kept a green outlook in mind when retrofitting the new space. After the demo of existing offices, they salvaged and reused as many materials as possible, including windows, doors and frames, countertops, partitions, wiring, and lights. They cleaned and preserved the charming 100-year old hardwoods – instead of putting in new carpet.
Local and regional materials were used throughout the renovation, translating to less transportation, pollution, and resources used to get materials on site.
In another environmentally-friendly move, RPA incorporated designated recycling areas into the new design. Special zones in the break room and printing area hold bins for paper, cans, magazines, and other recyclables. This was a critical move for the RPA Green Team committee, which oversees sustainability within the office and implemented an office-wide recycling program several years ago. Staying sustainable with the office expansion was also part of a larger goal of being environmentally responsible, and RPA aims to have over 50% of the staff LEED accredited by 2009.
Other eco-friendly features include exceptional use of abundant daylighting, carpet with recycled content backing systems, vinyl flooring tile with 35% recycled content, and furnishings built out of reclaimed wood.
The expansion allowed the 15-year old architecture firm to take over the main ground floor level of the mill building and a large portion of the lower level, adding 7,500 square feet to the original 17,500 square foot facilities.