CSDA commercial.

• Position: Organization overview

Total Community Options Headquarters (Denver)

ARCHITECT

OZ Architecture/Chad Holtzinger

GENERAL CONTRACTOR/BUILDER

Saunders Construction

DEVELOPER

Heitler Development

OWNER

Total Longterm Care

OVERVIEW

Total Community Options, a nonprofit organization serving seniors, is located in the Lowry Redevelopment, a former U.S. Air Force base. Saving money on operating costs through energy conservation was a primary driver in its decision to pursue a green office building. A laminated glass photovoltaic system was featured at the front of the building to showcase the technology and promote sustainability. Originally the building was programmed for 60,000 square feet but was reduced to 45,000 after redefining the work space to adjust to changing workplace trends (such as employees spending more time out of the office).

SUSTAINABLE FEATURES

[much greater than] To reduce cooling loads for the building, parking areas were upgraded to a lighter color, using concrete rather than asphalt. Plants and pervious paving also were used to lower surrounding temperatures.

[much greater than] Plumbing fixtures throughout the building are designed to save 50 percent of the water compared to a conventional office building.

[much greater than] TCO saves 70 percent in energy costs compared to a code-compliant office building (43 percent without the photovoltaic panels).

[much greater than] The project supported the local economy and reduced transportation impacts by using gypsum board and brick manufactured in Colorado.

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OVERVIEW

The goal of this project was to restore the historic integrity of a 1933 brick building while giving it new life. In the conversion of this run-down building into a contemporary design studio, sustainable features became the highest priority. Finishes and building systems were selected to create a warm, healthy and inspiring environment while reducing the environmental impact. Exposing the original brick and opening up all of the original windows allowed the space to be flooded with natural light and airwhile bringing back a connection to the community.

SUSTAINABLE FEATURES

[much greater than] This site was an impermeable lot with no landscaping. By taking out oversized concrete sidewalks and replacing them with red sandstone pavers and xeriscaping the front, the building became part of the original Denver streetscape.

[much greater than] Natural daylighting and ventilation...