Sustainable Design: Lake Architectural's Innovative Office Space

Lake Architectural, an architectural studio based in Marcellus, New York, recently had the unique opportunity to design and oversee the construction of their new 1,500 sqft office space. Situated on the foundations of a Civil War era wool mill accessory building, this project allowed the Lake team to practice what they preach.

The office space, housed within a 27' by 27' footprint, follows a standard architectural office program. However, the design takes a unique approach by incorporating a central curved stair constructed from reclaimed wood beams sourced from the original wool mill on site. This innovative design choice creates open public spaces instead of the traditional closed-off private spaces commonly found in office environments.

One of the standout features of this project is its commitment to sustainability. In the pursuit of LEED Silver certification, the team at Lake Architectural implemented various environmentally friendly practices. These include the use of geothermal energy, the reuse of the original foundation and materials such as brick and stone, as well as the incorporation of healthy finishes and energy-efficient fixtures.

To align with their sustainability goals, the design incorporates the latest green materials available on the market. Bamboo, recycled tile, Paperstone (a recycled paper composite surface), Kerei (pressed sorghum board), low VOC paints, and high recycled content gypsum were all utilized in the construction of the office space.

Throughout the construction process, the Lake team faced various challenges. However, their quick response and innovative solutions ensured that these obstacles were overcome successfully. The team managed all necessary LEED paperwork with the help of a commissioner who oversaw the process and verified their adherence to sustainable practices.

Lake Architectural's new office space is a testament to their commitment to sustainable design and construction practices. By integrating reclaimed materials, utilizing green materials, and pursuing LEED certification, they have created an office environment that not only reflects their values but also serves as an inspiration to others in the industry.

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