High Performance

One of the most ambitious high-performance projects in Pittsburgh centers around a 3,731 square-foot space in downtown Sewickley. In 2019 the progressive owner of the Sewickley Tavern engaged Studio St. German to renovate an existing building with an emphasis on sustainability and well-being.

Throughout the planning process, the owner collaborated with Studio St. Germain to select a customized mix of the latest developments in building science to achieve the project’s sustainability goals. Focusing on energy conservation, air quality, and health and comfort for restaurant guests and staff, the final program targeted maximum environmental impact while working within the design aesthetic of a modern take on a historic tavern.

As a high-performance building, the renovation included air quality sensors, a photovoltaic system, acoustical ceiling systems, noise-measuring sensors, microbe-resistant bathroom partitions, and smart building infrastructure to monitor and manage building operations. The end result is not only one of the healthiest, most comfortable and sustainable restaurants in the United States but also one of the region’s first to integrate the bigger picture of sustainability. Globally, Sewickley Tavern sets a new standard, and in 2020 it earned the distinction of being the world’s first restaurant to achieve RESET certification, the highest international indoor air quality standard.

RESET Air Standard

Sewickley Tavern is built to the RESET Air standard. RESET Air is an international performance-based indoor air quality certification. To achieve RESET Air status, an indoor environment must continuously and consistently meet strict limits on carbon dioxide levels, particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, temperature, and relative humidity.

Air Quality Monitors

Indoor monitors placed throughout the restaurant track and report the quality of air breathed by the building’s occupants. Outdoor monitors track and report the quality of the air being taken in, filtered, and processed by the building’s mechanical (HVAC) system. Data is collected continuously, and results are streamed to a cloud-based platform for analysis. This allows management to monitor the air quality in real-time and adjust air ventilation and filtration systems to optimize the building environment for long-term health.

Photovoltaic System

Solar panels on the Tavern roof generate power that offsets any electrical energy the restaurant pulls from the grid. With a connected net metering system, any surplus energy generated is fed back to the grid.

Acoustics

Because noise is the number one complaint among restaurant customers, an acoustical plaster ceiling system was chosen to provide high-performance sound absorption. This reduces indoor noise levels and makes for a more pleasant dining experience. The microperforated tin ceiling provides additional sound absorption, and noise-measuring sensors in the dining and kitchen areas monitor the decibel levels for both diners and staff.

Restrooms

Stall partitions are made from HDPE (high-density polyethylene) plastic, which is made from recycled materials and is impenetrable to mold or mildew and resistant to common bacteria often found in public restrooms, including MRSA. This particular type of plastic is known as a “cradle-to-cradle” material, meaning that it can be recycled again at the end of its useful life and therefore is a more sustainable choice than products that merely contain recycled content.

Smart Building Infrastructure for Energy & Environmental Intelligence

All sensor and meter data (air quality, acoustic, utilities) is managed using a cloud-based platform to provide analytics on energy use and environmental quality factors. Owners monitor energy consumption and environmental measurements via a dynamic cloud-based dashboard that displays real-time data compared to target levels. They can then adjust and optimize settings for utilities, air quality, indoor sound, and solar energy production.