Sustainable Superhero
Atelier Ten is proud to announce that the University of Massachusetts Amherst John W. Olver Design Building was recognized by the AIA Committee on the Environment (COTE) as a 2020 Top Ten Award winner! This award is presented to projects for their integration of design excellence with exemplary environmental performance.
The project, designed by Leers Weinzapfel Associates, finds a balance between unique architectural features that also improve environmental performance. Atelier Ten provided Environmental Design, Energy Analysis, LEED Administration, and Lighting Design services to help the project achieve its ambitious goals. Since its completion in 2017, Atelier Ten has been providing Measurement & Verification services to ensure the project is meeting its performance expectations.
As the largest cross-laminated timber (CLT) academic building in the United States, the Olver Design building showcases the potential of timber as a renewable building resource that produces less carbon emissions than traditional construction materials. Additionally, the careful integration of daylight with electrical light balances visual goals with the health and wellness of its occupants. The high-performance envelope, operable windows, manual shades, occupancy sensors, and automatic daylight dimming also contribute to the energy efficiency of the building. A planted rooftop and careful landscape design are not only useful for stormwater management, but also integrate typical New England flora into the Amherst campus.
Congratulations to the entire team for this amazing achievement!