H+B is the architect and sustainable design consultant for the transformation of this 50,000 sq. ft. former printing facility into an intelligent “i-building” for the Bick Group’s corporate headquarters. The interior has been entirely remodeled into 26,000 sq. ft of office space and 24,000 sq. ft of warehouse and shipping-receiving area. The project was occupied on July 3, 2006. In October 2006 it was awarded a craftsmanship award by the AIA-St. Louis/Construction Products Council for its metal panel and metal sunshade systems.

The building is expected to save approximately 35% more energy than the relatively stringent ASHRAE 90.1 standard while also maintaining high lighting quality and indoor air quality. This will offer a significant return on investment for energy savings and is expected to improve productivity. Three large roof monitors were created to help flood the interior spaces with daylighting. The south façade has been open to daylighting and views as have portions of the east and west facades. Fixed horizontal sunshades and vertical fins were utilized on the exterior, and interior light shelves and adjustable shades are used on the east and west facades to control the quantity and quality of daylight. Interior and exterior lighting levels are monitored and shades are automatically adjusted. Most electric lighting is off during operating hours. Overall electric lighting is controlled by photocells. Occupants are able to control their work station light levels with task lighting.

Finish materials were selected to reduce harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds). The entire office area utilizes a raised access floor that allows conditioned fresh air to be provided where the people are, and keeps the majority of (already reduced) indoor pollutants away from occupants. This floor system allows flexible control of ventilation by occupants, and plug and play data and power systems for enhanced flexibility and significant cost savings in reconfiguration. Energy use and indoor air quality is continually monitored. The system notifies occupants when outdoor conditions are appropriate to open windows. The project is expected to achieve “Gold” certification under the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED-NC Green Building Rating System™.