National Museum of the American Indian

Atelier Ten led the sustainability vision for NMAI’s first Facilities Framework Plan since it’s founding in 1989. The plan evaluated the NMAI DC and Maryland facilities to implement strategic sustainability that considered water reuse and energy efficiency.

During phase 1, Atelier Ten did a Strategic Existing Conditions Study focused on a comprehensive review of background documents, metered energy, water, materials, and waste data, evaluation of current sustainability practices, and existing building conditions.

Atelier Ten implemented a plan plan to collect, treat, and reuse stormwater to offset the CRC’s water demand, alleviate pressure on the municipal wastewater system, and increase the building’s water resilience against an outage. The plan reduces annual potable water use by 48% while also guaranteeing backup water for critical equipment operation.

To meet the 25% percent reduction in building EUI goal set by SI for Sustainable Buildings, Atelier Ten recommended the Smithsonian to implement aggressive lighting and mechanical system upgrades. Atelier Ten recommended the museum to submeter critical energy end uses to better understand building energy use components.