Case Study:
Allsteel Resource Center

A Room With A View

By Penny Bonda, FASID

Some projects attempting to "go green" have an uphill battle: a reluctant client, an inappropriate building, and limited opportunities for innovation are among the most common obstacles. For others, the pieces seem to fall obligingly into place. Fortunately, the Allsteel San Francisco Resource Center began its journey with the stars perfectly aligned with an enthusiastic client, experienced design team, and ideal location.

Allsteel, a contract-furniture supplier, hired a design team and consultants who collectively brought significant green building knowledge to the project. Gensler’s architects and interior designers collaborated with Glumac Engineering and DPR Construction to ensure an unwavering commitment to a good environmental outcome. The team set LEED-Commercial Interiors certification as a goal and has submitted documentation to USGBC; the final outcome is pending.

Everything fell into place with the selection of the site, according to Collin Burry, Gensler design principal. Rather than going into a multi-tenant building, Allsteel leased a Modernist classic, stand-alone pavilion in the Embarcadero Center complex. “We were able to essentially treat the space as its own building because its systems were separate from the main building.”

The existing structure came with a 40-year-old patched-together mechanical system that was replaced with a state-of-the-art, energy-efficient air-delivery system with sophisticated climate controls. It ensured optimum comfort for each space in the showroom. The complete renovation of the restrooms and pantry enabled the project to achieve exemplary water efficiency performance. “We spent a little more money on these initiatives,” said Burry, “but they represented the biggest opportunities and the net effect was wonderful. Frankly though, it’s hidden money.”

Very visible, however, is the stunning black, gray, and white color palette punctuated by a carefully chosen bright “Asian” red accent color that can be easily changed over time. This commanding scheme, along with a thoughtfully conceived floor plan, admits abundant daylight into the space and accentuates the powerful drama of the views of the surrounding area, including the Ferry Building and the Bay Bridge. A full-height wall that runs the length of the building defines the community area at the entrance of the space and acts as a connective device for the three wings of the building, creating a sense of mystery about what’s beyond it. The rectangular furniture systems are set back from a diagonal line established by the red wall and a platform. The display areas are open and unencumbered to allow for easy reconfiguring of settings as new products are introduced.

The design strategy, which was to build fewer walls and use the structure as a finish, also helped to express Allsteel’s desired minimalistic approach to materials use, but prevented the project from achieving many of the materials and resources (MR) credits in LEED-CI. “We (attempted) the fewest points in the MR category because we didn’t use enough of them to reach the required percentages,” said Burry. “That’s one of LEED’s funny little quirks. But we did use the scorecard to guide our decisions even if we didn't achieve the points. The carpet has a high recycled content, VOC emissions are low and the woods are from environmentally responsible sources.”

This project embodies attributes of Allsteel’s brand: it’s a contextual, relevant, and flexible, and built by a committed and knowledgeable team to sustainable standards. “When a client tries to do the right thing,” argues Burry, “we owe it to them to work together to deliver green buildings with the highest level of sustainability to achieve their directive and make their vision a reality. Doing so gives us our best opportunity for success as an industry.”