William McDonough + Partners (WM+P) has received an Architecture Award as well as a Citation for Sustainable Design from AIA DC for their recent energy positive building for leading general contractor HITT Contracting. As part of their 2020 Chapter Design Awards, AIA DC recognized Co|Lab for serving as HITT’s center for new technologies while also focusing on environmental health and occupant well-being.
AIA DC also recently recognized HITT and Co|Lab with a Partnership for the Planet Award. Co|Lab was acknowledged as a “designated space for the research, testing, and showcasing of emerging materials, approaches, and technology that seek to rapidly transform the construction and real estate industries.”
“Designed by renowned architect William McDonough + Partners, Co|Lab refused status quo at its inception,” said HITT CEO Kim Roy. “Each element of the building – from structure to finishes – was seen as a learning and testing opportunity.”
Integrated within a semi-industrial and commercial neighborhood in Northern Virginia, Co|Lab is targeting Zero Energy Certification. A roof-mounted photovoltaic solar array canopy on the occupiable roof is designed to compensate for 100% of the building’s energy consumption. Co|Lab’s high-performance envelope and high-efficiency MEP systems are also coupled with a Mass Timber structure, which decreases the building’s carbon footprint and recently earned Co|Lab a Regional Excellence Award from Woodworks.
“We designed HITT’s Co|Lab based on our concept of building like a tree. Instead of just talking about minimal environmental footprint we talk about beneficial environmental footprint – not just minimizing negative emissions – we talk about optimizing positive emissions.” said WM+P Founder William McDonough.
Co|Lab’s goal is to operate as a “Living Lab” where green space is maximized in addition to a roof designed to hold new test beds for green roof systems. The exterior vegetated wall contains sensors and is monitored for real-time irrigation needs and maintenance feedback.
Co|Lab was built with healthy materials in mind. WM+P worked with HITT to integrate materials which are safe, healthy and circular, including preferring Cradle to Cradle Certified™ products. Co|Lab was awarded a LEED v4 Platinum certification.
Learn more about Co|Lab here.
