by ArchitectureWeek

In a state better known for its green forests than its "green" building practices, a newly renovated warehouse sets a precedent for sustainability. Front 5 Building in downtown Boise, Idaho has just been received the state's first LEED-NC (New Construction and Major Renovations) certification for its energy- and resource-efficiency.

The firm cole + poe architects applied green principles to adapt a vacant 1970s-era red brick warehouse that once served the railroad line to downtown Boise. The extensive makeover into an office building was accomplished with a team that included developer Oaas Laney, LLC, general contractor PETRA, Inc., and several local environmental groups.

Says developer Erik Oaas: "After attending a conference at which Richard Fedrizzi [president and CEO of the U.S. Green Building Council] argued the business case for building green, I knew immediately the Front 5 Building would be a perfect test case for us to try LEED certification in Boise." The team hopes the building will now set an example for the rest of Idaho to emulate.

The sustainability measures applied to the 16,500-square-foot (1500-square-meter) warehouse fall into a half dozen categories. To achieve energy savings, for instance, the design team specified mechanical systems that are 25 percent more efficient than those in a conventional building.   >>>

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Front 5 Building in downtown Boise, Idaho renovated to LEED standards by cole + poe architects. Photo: cole +poe Inside the Front 5 Building. Photo: cole +poe   Click on thumbnail images to view full-size pictures.