KSBA OFFICES
Pittsburgh PA

In 1998, KSBA Architects renovated a 19th-century, former undertaker's stable in the Lawrenceville section of Pittsburgh, PA. The historic structure, which most recently served as an auto repair shop, was transformed into a state-of-the-art, information technology headquarters for the firm. Not only showcasing the latest design innovations, the facility is also serving as a working laboratory for emergent-technology research, including integrated-access flooring with modular cabling and under-floor HVAC, along with indirect lighting.

The building was selected to be a part of the US Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Pilot Program. It was one of 11 nationally and three in Pennsylvania to be certified in March 2000.

Sustainable features include the high ventilation rate, low energy use, convection-enhanced underfloor HVAC, elimination of carpet adhesives, skylights, operable windows, total reuse of an existing building, use of local materials, recycling of demolition waste, reuse of office furniture and casework from the previous location, location near four bus routes, along with showers and parking for bicyclers. In modeling and actual use, the building uses 30% of the energy of an ASHRAE minimum building.

Located near Doughboy Square (in Lawrenceville), the structure was originally built in 1888 in the Romanesque Revival style and, as part of a multi-property development acquisition, represents the continuation of a decade-long neighborhood revitalization program.