Construction has begun at Pease International Tradeport on the new corporate facility for the civil engineering firm of Appledore Engineering Inc. (AEI). Sited on five acres at 177 Corporate Dr., the 12,500 s/f office building is one of the first buildings at Pease to integrate sustainable building and site design principles. AEI, which coincidently is celebrating its' 20th anniversary, will relocate to the new facility in July. Working with Team Design Inc. architects and TRB Development Group, AEI's goal is incorporating sustainable building technologies and materials that will reduce energy use, while also providing a work environment that is bright, comfortable and inviting for employees. The project cost is approximately $2.5 million. The use of foam insulated roof panels, thermal pane and low emittance (Low-E) windows, and a state of the art HVAC system - Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) - will allow Appledore to develop an energy efficient building that exceeds standards established by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers. Other sustainable building materials include carpeting and ceiling tiles, which are easily replaced and recycled, and interior finishes with low volatile organic compound (VOC) content. The centerpiece of this shingle style, cottage inspired building is the main foyer with a 17' fire place and exposed beam cathedral ceiling. Overlooking this area will be an employee exercise loft. Work space for the firm's staff will have 18' cathedral ceilings and large windows around the entire perimeter of the engineering wing, providing an abundance of natural light. A conservatory style conference room will also enhance the use of natural lighting. Building grounds, which overlook wetlands, will incorporate low impact development (LID) technologies, including pervious pavement, a gravel wetland detention area and drought tolerant plantings that do not require an irrigation system. Recognized by CE News as the Best Small Engineering Firm to Work for in the U.S.(under 100 in 2006), and having achieved Hall of Fame status as one of the Best Companies to Work for in New Hampshire by Business NH Magazine, AEI values employee satisfaction and input. "Our new headquarters were designed with employee input - our greatest resource," said AEI vice president, Brad Mezquita. "Our goal was to design a building that felt like a 'home away from home', while meeting the diverse needs of our employees. From a yoga room to showering facilities for our running enthusiasts - to an outdoor patio that all can enjoy - I feel that we've designed a warm, inviting environment for our employees," said Mezquita. Shown (from left) are: Tim Boisvert, TRB Development Group; Brad Mezquita, AEI; Daniel Bisson, TDI Architects; Gregg Mikolaities, AEI President; David Mullen, Pease Development Authority; Kevin Madden, AEI.