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Copyright © 1976-2016 BuroHappold Engineering. All Rights Reserved Image ©Anton Grassl THE CATALYST FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND EMPLOYEE WELLBEING CLIENT Lyme Properties ARCHITECT Behnisch Architekten PROJECT VALUE $107 million DURATION 1994 - 2003 SERVICES PROVIDED BY BUROHAPPOLD Structural engineering, MEP engineering, sustainability Designed by award winning German architectural firm, Behnisch Architekten, Genzyme Center is the corporate headquarters for one of the world’s leading biotechnology companies. Incorporating offices, a cafeteria, a library, gardens, training rooms, a conference center and public retail space, the 350,000ft 2 building was developed from the inside out, with the aim of providing a healthy and productive workspace. The close collaboration of the design team, developer, end user, and contractor resulted in an environmentally friendly and innovative signature building. Working closely with the client the project team balanced aesthetics, cost, constructability, and reliability to achieve all project goals within budget. Using their extensive experience in sustainable design, the BuroHappold Engineering team delivered a state of the art, environmentally responsive structure that achieved the desired LEED Platinum rating. The building envelope is a high performance curtainwall glazing system with operable windows on all 12 floors. More than 32% of the exterior envelope is a ventilated double facade that blocks solar gains in summer and captures solar gains in the winter. To further enhance the buildings green credentials, steam from a nearby power plant is used for central heating and cooling. The building’s central atrium acts as a return air duct and light shaft allowing fresh air to circulate. Natural light from the fully glazed facade and from the atrium brought in by solar- tracking mirrors above the skylight is reflected deep into the building. According to the employee post occupancy evaluation the improved productivity by the staff due to the air quality and natural light had an estimated increase of $5 million in annual value. Additionally, the total “green cost” of the facility of about $22 million had a five year payback period. Henri A. Termeer, Genzyme Chairman and Chief Executive Officer said, ‘Genzyme Center has surpassed our expectations in many ways, and we are incredibly pleased with the positive impact it has had both on our employees and on the larger community.’ GENZYME HEADQUARTERS CAMBRIDGE, MA
