American Society of Landscape Architects

The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) renovated its headquarters to align the office space with the organization’s nature-focused principles.

GHT provided the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineering design services for the renovated office space.

The refreshed space welcomes employees and visitors with a flexible reception area with versatile display walls that adapt to various events and exhibitions. GHT collaborated with Gensler to transform the compact and dark existing space into a three-story atrium with natural light-harvesting technology. The workstations employ ergonomic elements and utilize cool blue lighting, which illuminates spaces at 45-degree angles to match the natural progression of the morning sun.

The upgrade extends to the building’s façade , where the main entrance features a planted canopy supported by the rooftop cistern irrigation system, and the fire escape incorporates mesh for a courtyard garden. To achieve the project’s LEED Platinum certification, GHT utilized a high-performance mechanical system with a high-efficiency heat recovery variable refrigerant volume (VRV) system and 100% outside air energy recovery unit (ERU-1) with an enthalpy wheel, resulting in 30.2% savings in annual HVAC energy costs. The ventilation system uses MERV-13 filters, activated carbon filters, and germicidal ultraviolet lamps to provide superior indoor air quality for occupants.

GHT incorporated daylight harvesting systems for the electrical system that modulate dimming fluorescent fixtures. In the stairway lightwell, the lighting is also designed to sync with the occupants’ circadian rhythm. As a result of the high-performance MEP systems, the headquarters achieved LEED Platinum certification and was DC’s first WELL Certified Gold-rated project.