A3C Collaborative Architecture

ArChiteCture leADerS TODAY

T H E M A G A Z I N E F O R C A P TA I N S O F I N D U S T RY www.architectureleaderstoday.com

A3C Collaborative Architecture Client foCused and always effiCient

A3C Collaborative Architecture, a leader in green design, has been partnering with clients to create responsive, sustainable solutions since its founding in 1983.

midwest

| green build

A3C Collaborative Architecture

Client focused and always efficient, with a vast scope of expert services

by Joel Cornell ABOVE: LEED-CI Sustainable Showcase & UrbEn Retreat, Ann Arbor, Mich. Ariel view of A3C’s rooftop including demonstration green roof and solar PV systems.

Photo by Jason Rodriguez.

OPPOSITE: LEED-CI Sustainable Showcase & UrbEn Retreat, Ann Arbor, Mich. Ac3's urbEn Retreat rooftoop observation/ conferencing space overlooks the green roof and is available for use by local government and non-profit organizations. Photo by Aubrey Kane.

“We have shown through our actions, not just our words, actively training the remaining staff to become accredited. how sustainable design is worthwhile and simply makes “We asked our clients to define our strengths. The results the most sense,” said Senior Principal and Director of highlighted our commitment to collaboration, exceptional Sustainable Design at A3C - Collaborative Architecture, client relationships and environmental responsibility.

Dan Jacobs. “The recent growth in the green movement A3C remains focused on building our relationships and has really helped, but that movement still needs a driving delivering exceptional service. We are active advocates force behind it and we strive to be a part of that force.” for sustainable design and an integrated design process, Upon founding the firm in 1983, Jacobs and his team serving as an example for ourselves, our community and immediately put sustainable design at the top of their our clients of what is possible when you ‘Walk the Talk’.” priorities. Initially, the firm began in custom residential As both an affirmation of A3C’s commitment to susdesign in their home town of Ann Arbor, Mich. They tainable design and a research tool for the community, expanded into the healthcare, education and corporate the firm has recently completed an entire overhaul of markets within a few short years. Today, 75% of A3C’s work their office in Ann Arbor. The LEED-CI Gold Sustainable is done in the southeast Mich. area, although their deep Showcase and UrbEn Retreat renovation poured every knowledge of the latest in sustainable design techniques sustainable technique conceivable into the design. This and technology is contracted out across the eastern U.S. effort resulted in an office that is not just a display, but The scope of services available to A3C’s clients has something their employees and clients can interact with expanded exponentially throughout the firm’s history. to raise understanding and awareness of sustainable Outside of sustainable design services, A3C excels in design. The UrbEn Retreat has become a community providing a full range of facility assessments, energy resource for local government and Not-for-Profit groups audits, renewable energy system design, interior design, to use for meetings. brand development and other consultation services.

The renovation also allowed A3C to take on a new This incredibly extensive list of services goes on and on, role as researchers. The firm is working with multiple so much so that other design firms frequently contract any number of A3C’s specialty services to augment their own to assure their client’s get Xero Flor America is the exclusive U.S. provider of the patented Xero the best services possible.

Flor green roof system. Xero Flor is the lightweight, instant green roof “Our firm’s decision has been to walk the talk,” solution for hundreds of buildings around the country ranging from Jacobs said. “Three quarters of our technical staff small residential spaces to Ford’s 10.4 acre Dearborn Truck Plant are LEED Accredited Professionals, and we’re installation. Learn more at www.xeroflora.com.

XEROFLOR

2 Architecture Leaders Today

green building

| midwest

Fall 2010 3

midwest

THIS PAGE: (ABOVE) Humane Society of Huron Valley, Ann Arbor, Mich. The innovative design weaves human education throughout, incorporates a geothermal system and uses current research to prevent disease and reduce noise and stress.

Rendering by A3C Staff. (LEFT) Plymouth Municipal Complex, Plymouth, Mich. Township Hall features a central two-story atrium with a "Service Center" where the offices with the greatest public traffic are grouped for convenient public access and brings all municipal services together in one site location. Photo courtesy of DeMattia Group. (RIGHT): Ann Arbor News, Ann Arbor, Mich. A3C Renovated this historic building to create office space from former manufacturing areas incorporating sustainable design features. Photo

by Chris Burkhalter.

OPPOSITE PAGE: (TOP) Wayne State University Community Arts Auditorium, Detroit, Mich.

Constructed in 1957 and used as a lecture hall, this renovation transformed the space into a modern, flexible venue for a wide variety of performances. Photo by Charles Turok. (BOTTOM)Huron Ophthalmology PC, Ypsilanti, Mich. This new building allows the practice to reduce its carbon footprint while better serving their patients in a compassionate, comfortable, caring environment.

Photo by Aubrey Kane.

4 Architecture Leaders Today

| green build

universities and local organizations to study and is incorporated from the early stages of a project. This share the data collected from their ‘green’ building. approach provides increased opportunities for client Their collaboration with The University of Michigan interaction with the design team and a far greater Architecture School’s Sustainability Lab and Colorado understanding of the process than in a traditional State University is resulting in the documentation of the design approach. potential energy savings from the various technologies “For us, sustainable design is a natural part of the on the demonstration green and cool roof. A3C along building process on multiple levels,” Jacobs said. “It with Professor Ash Ragheb of Lawrence Technological can save money and resources, increase energy effiInstitute were awarded one of three national AIA Upjohn ciency and also provide a healthy living environment Research Initiative Grants to study four buildings and for ourselves and, most importantly, every generation perform a comprehensive Life-Cycle Cost Analysis to follow in our footsteps.” ALT (LCA) on them to determine the effects of sustainable design.

Through an Integrated Design Approach, A3C ensures that their clients are fully Cappy Heating has always been focused on future technologies and energy involved in every step of the design process. conservation. In 2007, Cappy Heating replaced the HVAC system at A3C with a new geothermal system. It was one of the first geothermal buildings This allows the firm to deliver sustainable, in the city of Ann Arbor. “I strongly believe in this technology.” says owner, consensus based solutions in the most Jeff Caplan. “It is exciting to be a part of all the people who work to bring efficient and cost effective manner. Par- this product to the Michigan market and to be regarded for our expertise in ticipation from different design specialties geothermal design and installation.”

CAPPY HEATING

green building

| midwest

Fall 2010 5

1100 H Street NW Suite M Washington D.C. 20005 info@architectureleaderstoday.com www.architectureleaderstoday.com