Dow Building Solutions is proud to announce that the Dow Business Services Center Building was selected as a Merit Award recipient in the 2012 BUILDINGS ABBY (America’s Best Buildings of the Year) Awards Program.
The three-building, 205,000-sf campus was designed to consume 20% less energy than required by current building codes. This completed facility located in Midland, Mich., was constructed using insulation and air sealing solutions from Dow to help successfully integrate sustainability with aesthetics. It is on target to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver certification.
A variety of high-performing building products from Dow Building Solutions were used to maximize air, moisture and energy management within the building envelope of the facility:
• THERMAX Wall System, featuring continuous insulation, flashing, and an air barrier, was installed on the exterior walls to streamline construction and allow Dow to downsize HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) equipment and thus reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions;
• The building’s energy-efficient “cool roof” reflects solar heat and protects the underlying insulation and roof structure. STYROFOAM™ Brand Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) Foam Insulation was installed under the white roof, the slab, and around the foundation to provide long-term R-value and enhance overall building energy efficiency.
• Roof and wall junctures, the roof perimeter, and other air infiltration points were sealed with FROTH-PAK Foam Insulation and GREAT STUFF PRO Insulating Foam Sealant, to provide a moisture-resistant seal and help reduce air leakage.
As for the design of the facility, the interior incorporates as much daylight as possible. Horizontal sun shades block sunlight when needed and self-tinting windows eliminate glare. Roughly 99% of workspaces are in an open office design, allowing daylight to penetrate. Interiors also feature low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints, finishes, adhesives, and wood products, with all carpets meeting the CRI (Carpet and Rug Institute) Green Label Plus standard. Individual temperature controls signify Dow’s attention to personal comfort, as do CO2 sensors that run the ventilation system as needed.
Outside, the parking area includes 26 spaces that meet accessibility standards, 67 spots reserved for fuel-efficient vehicles, and six Level II charging stations, along with infrastructure for 20 more electric cars. Sand obtained from digging out the retention pond was reused to raise building foundations and large areas of naturally landscaped green space and a live pond provide natural habitat for wildlife. +
Related Stories
Warehouses | Mar 29, 2023
Construction completed on Canada’s first multi-story distribution center
Construction was recently completed on Canada’s first major multi-story industrial project, a distribution center in Burnaby, British Columbia. The project provides infrastructure for last-mile delivery in a world where consumers have come to expect next-day and same-day delivery, according to Ware Malcomb, the project's architect of record.
AEC Innovators | Mar 27, 2023
Leading architecture, engineering firm HED appoints new co-CEOs
As children of immigrant families, Van Herle and Suarez will bring a diverse perspective into a historically underrepresented industry and advance the firm’s mission of creating a positive impact for clients, communities, and the world.
Healthcare Facilities | Mar 26, 2023
UC Davis Health opens new eye institute building for eye care, research, and training
UC Davis Health recently marked the opening of the new Ernest E. Tschannen Eye Institute Building and the expansion of the Ambulatory Care Center (ACC). Located in Sacramento, Calif., the Eye Center provides eye care, vision research, and training for specialists and investigators. With the new building, the Eye Center’s vision scientists can increase capacity for clinical trials by 50%.
Libraries | Mar 26, 2023
An abandoned T.J. Maxx is transformed into a new public library in Cincinnati
What was once an abandoned T.J. Maxx store in a shopping center is now a vibrant, inviting public library. The Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library (CHPL) has transformed the ghost store into the new Deer Park Library, designed by GBBN.
Multifamily Housing | Mar 24, 2023
Multifamily developers offering new car-free projects in car-centric cities
Cities in the South and Southwest have eased zoning rules with parking space mandates in recent years to allow developers to build new housing with less parking.
Multifamily Housing | Mar 24, 2023
Coastal multifamily developers, owners expect huge jump in insurance costs
In Texas and Florida, where Hurricane Ian caused $50 billion in damage last year, insurance costs are nearly 50% higher than in 2022.
Multifamily Housing | Mar 24, 2023
Average size of new apartments dropped sharply in 2022
The average size of new apartments in 2022 dropped sharply in 2022, as tracked by RentCafe. Across the U.S., the average new apartment size was 887 sf, down 30 sf from 2021, which was the largest year-over-year decrease.
Government Buildings | Mar 24, 2023
19 federal buildings named GSA Design Awards winners
After a six-year hiatus, the U.S. General Services Administration late last year resumed its esteemed GSA Design Awards program. In all, 19 federal building projects nationwide were honored with 2022 GSA Design Awards, eight with Honor Awards and 11 with Citations.
Transportation & Parking Facilities | Mar 23, 2023
Amsterdam debuts underwater bicycle parking facility that can accommodate over 4,000 bikes
In February, Amsterdam saw the opening of a new underwater bicycle parking facility. Located in the heart of the city—next to Amsterdam Central Station and under the river IJ (Amsterdam’s waterfront)—the facility, dubbed IJboulevard, has parking spots for over 4,000 bicycles, freeing up space on the street.
Healthcare Facilities | Mar 22, 2023
New Jersey’s new surgical tower features state’s first intraoperative MRI system
Hackensack (N.J.) University Medical Center recently opened its 530,000-sf Helena Theurer Pavilion, a nine-story surgical and intensive care tower designed by RSC Architects and Page. The county’s first hospital, Hackensack University Medical Center, a 781-bed nonprofit teaching and research hospital, was founded in 1888.
