When Getrag, now GKN Driveline, expanded its US operations to include a high-profile 2-story office building adjacent to an existing plant, the LS3P design team preserved the German company’s concept of a building utilizing sustainable, industrialized technologies and aesthetics, adapted them to US codes and construction techniques, and translated European sustainability requirements to US Green Building Council’s LEED® certification program. Designers maintained a close collaboration with the German team throughout the project’s implementation.

The 27,771 SF project included demolition, the renovation of the existing plant, and construction of a new adjacent office building. The design prioritized comfort for the employees, with 11’-0” tall ceiling and glass facades. All regularly occupied spaces are less than 30’-0” from exterior glass for daylighting and views. Facades are designed with automated shade devices with solar tracking capability. A cantilevered covered balcony wraps the two glass facades, providing additional shading, and an informal gathering space for employees. Glass doors and windows adjacent to the plant create a sense of unity between office and plant workers. Second-floor conference rooms and all regularly occupied spaces have clerestory glass for additional natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting throughout the new building. The project achieved LEED® Silver certification.

 

RECOGNITIONS: AIA North Carolina Merit Award; LEED Silver Certified

ASSOCIATE ARCHITECT: studio_3 architekten

SF: 27,000+