When Brentano moved to their current corporate headquarters in February of 2008, President E-Kwan Chen and Vice President Iris Wang were looking forward to uniting the company in one building. Their previous location was comprised of three separate units which limited interaction between departments. In addition to bringing all the employees together, Wang and Chen felt that building a new studio for Brentano’s design team would be a great way to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their company.
Because the studio was essentially built from scratch (the space was previously a warehouse) Wang and Chen were able to create a space that would have plenty of room for inspiration, imagination, and creativity, all according to their own plans without the constraints of preexisting conditions. Additionally, Wang demonstrated her commitment to what she calls “green mindfulness”
In addition to using energy saving technologies and recycled and certified materials, there are eco-friendly architectural design elements of the space. For example, many commercial buildings are not permitted to have opening windows. Wang made it a priority to be zoned appropriately so as to allow fresh air in place of summer air conditioning. The openable windows, along with the large skylight in the studio ceiling, allow for an abundance of natural light. The lights can also be switched to incandescent or fluorescent settings, allowing for close examination of colors. The space also has boards for pinning up inspirations, current projects, and potential future patterns.
Construction of the studio began in May of 2009, many months after it became clear the economic downturn was going to persist. When asked about her decision to continue with building the space, Wang says they decided to do so for three reasons: first, they had started the project and wanted to see it through, second, in anticipation of future growth, and third, because she believes that while she can’t change external problems, she can do her best to influence the internal atmosphere. By continuing to build the studio, her goal is to demonstrate the importance of keeping focused, especially in difficult times.
Green features of the studio include:
• Outside air economizer and power exhaust fan.
• High-efficiency rooftop HVAC units.
• High-efficiency fluorescent lighting.
• Dual lighting fixtures and controls.
• Exterior wall insulation exceeds thermal requirements, 10% of the product is processed locally, reduces insulation construction waste by 50%, is a renewable-based foam insulation made from using castor oil instead of a petroleum-
• Interior sound attenuation insulation is a certified noise reducer insulation, uses 20% post consumer recycled content, and 20% of materials are regional (within 500 miles of the project).
• Wood doors meet green air quality standards, are FSC certified wood, 70% of every door uses recycled, regional, rapidly renewable. Uses low-emitting materials.
• US Green Building Council (USGBC)-recommended openable exterior windows use pre-consumer recycled materials and low-emitting glass.
• Ceiling tile manufacturer is a founding member of the USGBC, exceeds requirements for use of recycled content and low emitting materials.
• Porcelain floor tile contains 20% pre-consumer recycled material.
