Pro Con Inc. has been contracted to provide design-build services for Weston Solutions' new regional office. The new 21,000 s/f office building will be located on Constitution Ave., off 1-93.
As part of the design process, Pro Con led space programming, scheduling, cost estimating and concept plan development. Pro Con has prepared preliminary design plans and specifications and is currently working with the owner to obtain planning board approvals.
A primary project objective is to create a highly efficient, LEED certified green building. The "green" features being considered include: high efficiency boiler and mechanical systems, solar hot water or electricity, light shelves and sun shades, on-site storm water management system, low-flow water fixtures, durable and renewable products, natural ventilation and more. The state-of-the-art building will feature high-performance, innovative products such as the GreenGrid green roof system. GreenGrid vegetated roofs have many benefits including reducing run-off, lowering the energy demand during summer months and increasing natural habitat. The site layout and orientation positions the building to optimize day lighting meanwhile limiting site disturbance. The landscape plans feature indigenous plantings that will not need irrigation and require minimal maintenance, along with deciduous shade trees. Preferred parking will be provided for alternative fuel vehicles.
The building orientation and window systems will capture solar heat in the winter and promote natural light penetration. The two-story, steel framed building has a brick veneer with granite block accents to blend with the nearby former mill building. The lower component is clad with insulated metal panels that provide a durable and energy efficient enclosure. The exterior details include steel rod supported awnings and railing to allude to the industrial history of the site.
The 16,000 s/f, two-story offices will house Weston's environmental and redevelopment professionals and serve as a visible display of the company's commitment to restoring environmentally-impaired property. A smaller 4,600 s/f suite will be leased. Construction completion and occupancy are planned for 2009.
Weston Solutions delivers integrated, sustainable solutions for environmental restoration, property redevelopment, design/build construction, green buildings and clean energy. The company has 1,800 employees in 60 offices around the world. Weston Solutions is the exclusive licensee for the GreenGrid green roof system. The GreenGrid modular green roof system will boost a building's environmental and economic performance.
Pro Con is a full service architecture, engineering and construction management firm specializing in commercial, hospitality, institutional, industrial and multi-family residential projects.