Volpe Transportation Center Office

To meet the stringent energy targets set forth by the GSA, Atelier Ten worked with the design team to think beyond typical high-performance design. Atelier Ten focused on optimizing the building envelope to reduce skin loads and improve daylight, pushed electrification as much as possible and implemented responsible water management.

Incorporating natural light in an office space promotes occupant health, increases productivity, and reduces energy loads of the building. Atelier Ten analyzed the project’s daylight potential balancing both strict GSA daylight antonomy requirements and LEED requirements. Targeting LEED Platinum, the building’s massing and orientation were instrumental in maximizing daylighting while limiting glare. The open atrium is meant to foster a connection between the surrounding Kendall Square and the innovation happening inside the facility. Atelier Ten studied the the daylight availability, testing the adequacy for plants to create a comfortable environment for both people and plants.

Atelier Ten studied various shading scenarios to optimally control the East and West sun more tightly and reduce incident solar radiation. The East and West facades have vertical fins while the South facade has horizontal fins to reduce peak cooling loads and improve thermal and visual comfort. Fins on the East and West facades effectively reduce incident solar radiation by ~60%.

Given the stringent energy goals for the project, Atelier Ten provided energy and life cycle cost analysis starting early in the Concept phase. Efficiency strategies collectively contribute to over 41% regulated energy savings, by reducing simultaneous heating and cooling and serving building loads primarily through electrification of building systems, tackling cold-weather climate and resiliency challenges inherent in Cambridge. Contributions from on-site energy generation from rooftop photovoltaics further reduce operational carbon emissions, achieving a 57% reduction in fossil fuel generated energy use.

Finally, rainwater from the rooftop and terrace is collected in a 15,000 gallon cistern and reused to meet irrigation water demand.