High Performance Design

Over the years, contemporary architecture has transcended traditional construction standards to incorporate sustainability and wellness principles that emphasize social and environmental responsibility. 400 Beaver, a high-performance building, is a model of this design philosophy.

Each unit in the building focuses as much on the health of its users as it does on energy efficiency and productivity. From superior air quality to water filtration to acoustic improvements to the use of natural light–400 Beaver combines optimized performance with well-being to produce a structure that defines transformative architecture.

Essential to the concept of a high-performance building is a holistic approach that integrates building science with active sustainable practices. This means a design program that includes thermal bridge free construction, high-performance windows and doors, a vapor-permeable fluid-applied air barrier, and mineral wool insulation (naturally resistant to mold and mildew).

Other elements that ensure a healthy environment are high-grade HVAC systems. The ground floor uses a Dedicated Outdoor Air System (DOAS) and the upper units include Energy Recovery Ventilation. As a result of these features–as well as several others–400 Beaver is a tangible example of architecture designed for the public good.

Air Quality

At 400 Beaver, air quality is another critical factor in the pursuit of healthy architecture. The outdoor airflow rate for the ground floor, measured as cubic feet per minute (CFM), is at least 40% higher than the ASHRAE minimum and more than 50% higher than ASHRAE on the second and third floors. Constant airflow, through stringent HVAC filters, not only reduces airborne pathogens and pollutants–a must in the Covid era–but it also provides therapeutic relief to those with pre-existing respiratory ailments, such as bronchitis and asthma. The ventilation rate at 400 Beaver is also impressive. On the ground floor, the CFM is 199% higher than the code minimum, while the top floors are 51% and 49% higher, respectively.

Other positive impacts derived from superior indoor air quality include potential health benefits and economic returns. Because poor air quality may decrease concentration and productivity, proper ventilation and state-of-the-art HVAC systems can improve day-to-day living. For developers and owners, high-performance features that emphasize wellness and sustainability can accentuate market differentiation and lead to higher premiums.

Acoustics

Studies have linked noise disturbance to increased anxiety and high blood pressure, along with other negative physical and psychological effects. Because 400 Beaver is a high-performance building, one that focuses on comfort as well as sustainability, noise reduction is a key planning component.

For the residential units on the second and third floors, the acoustic design will surpass recommended code requirements by at least 20%, giving 400 Beaver a much higher Sound Transmission Class rating, 60, than the average building. To achieve such a high STC rating, a mass roof with four-inch concrete topping and insulation material mitigates sounds and vibrations from the mechanical equipment arrayed on the roof. Both the second and third floor units incorporate sound attenuation blankets and vibration isolation hangers in the ceilings to eliminate impact noise, allowing for quiet evenings at home and peaceful sleeping.

Energy

With sustainability concerns paramount, 400 Beaver features several elements designed for energy efficiency. Predictive modeling forecasts that 400 Beaver will use 53% less energy than a typical mixed-use building of approximately 9,500 square feet. Streamlined HVAC equipment, airtightness, and natural daylighting all combine to conserve energy and reduce consumption.

As the name suggests, high-performance buildings function at peak capacity; because they optimize systems and incorporate building science principles, they significantly decrease energy dependence while maintaining and often improving livability standards.

By saving energy, 400 Beaver makes a positive impact on the community and the environment while also minimizing stress on the grid. Another benefit of energy reduction is financial: owners will see increased savings in their electric bills and an improved ROI from extended equipment lifespan and lower maintenance costs.

Water Quality

High-performance buildings emphasize sustainability, energy efficiency, and wellness, and they can also respond to specific pre-existing environmental factors. At 151 PPM, the average water hardness per resident in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, nears the top of the scale for water hardness. To ensure clean, healthy water, 400 Beaver is equipped with a whole building and conditioning system. Each of the three floors features a dedicated filtration system that conditions (softens) the water and strips it of chemicals. Micron filtration minimizes chlorine, volatile organic compounds, and pesticides, removing buildup and lessening the bitter taste of alkali from the water.

While the filtration system provides healthy water, it also reduces future maintenance costs related to plumbing equipment such as pipes, faucets, and drains. Constant exposure to hard water results in limescale and drain clogging, which inevitably leads to repair costs. This is an example of how a high-performance building can also benefit its owners economically in the long run.

Carbon Footprint

One of the most important goals of sustainable architecture is the reduction of carbon emissions and greenhouse gases. Unchecked carbon produced by the built environment contributes to the rise in global temperature and climate change.

Addressing this issue is a critical component of green design. At 400 Beaver, the heating, cooling, and lighting systems result in a smaller carbon footprint than most mixed-use buildings of its size. This limited carbon footprint results in a 43% reduction of annual emissions, the equivalent of planting 380 trees or removing five cars from the road every year.

An environmentally friendly, high-performance building in downtown Sewickley is not just an example of architectural progress, but it is also a reflection of core values that go beyond simple construction.