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Project

Saranac Building in Sun (Spokane, Washington, USA)

Credits: ©2009 Zeck Butler Architects

The Saranac Building’s renovation was designed according to the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum standards. It boasts the largest private solar field in the state with 98 solar panels, and extensive use of other energy and resource-saving technology, making it one of the greenest buildings in Washington State with features such as:

- Vegetated Roof Space: Three rooftop gardens deflect sunlight, reducing the heat typically created by roofing materials as well as greenhouse gases such as CO2.

- Insulation: The building’s walls are insulated with post-industrial recycled cotton, left over from blue jean production.

- Air Conditioning/Heating: The Saranac uses a ground-source heat pump to utilize the earth’s constant thermal source. Furthermore, the building is able to “share” heat by forcing it from one region to another. For example, if Isabella’s managers want the restaurant cooler and the fourth floor needs more heat, hot air is sucked out of the restaurant and transferred to the fourth floor offices.

- Energy: The Saranac building boasts 100 feet of solar paneling. Ambient light sensors also contribute to lower energy costs. The sensors detect natural light coming through the windows and dim or brighten interior lights accordingly.

- Water: Two rooftop silos can collect excess rainfall, saving up to 38,000 gallons of water annually. The building conserves another 55,000 gallons of water by using waterless urinals and using groundwater with its dual-flush toilets.

- Construction: All lumber was purchased locally and is Forest Stewardship Council-certified as a sustainably harvested material. Ninety percent of construction waste, such as cardboard and scrap wood, was either recycled or reused. All of the building’s supplies came from within a 500-mile radius to reduce the carbon-emissions associated with transportation. Paint, varnish, and other finishing materials used were either Non-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) or Low-VOC.

 

Saranac Building with Full Solar Panels

The renovation design for the Saranac Building in Spokane, Washington, was by Zeck Butler Architects, photographed by Glenn Probert (www.glenprobert.com). ©2009 Probert & Design Associates @ www.glenprobert.com

The Saranac Building Renovation sustainable strategies include:


* 85% of the original building was re-used, eliminating the need for all new materials.


* 90% of construction waste was diverted from landfills through recycling and re-use.


* Construction incorporated 20% recycled materials, including steel, acoustical ceiling panels, carpeting and denim insulation.


* 27% of materials were obtained from local sources including lumber, concrete and ceramic tile.


* Water use was reduced by 47% over conventional construction through re-use, low-flow fixtures and waterless urinals.


* A rooftop garden uses a catchment system for recycling rain water and cooling the building with vegetation.


* Energy use was reduced by 86% through solar collection, a ground source heat pump, direct digital controls and daylighting.


* Solar panels generate 14% of the building’s power.


* The remaining power is from 100% renewable sources.


* Building users are able to reduce carbon emissions through use of public transportation with connections to existing transportation systems.

Project Architects for the design of the Saranac Building Renovation were Rod Butler and Randy Vanhoff of Zeck Butler Architects, P.S. The solar array was designed and installed by Eco Depot of Spokane. Energy efficiency systems for the building were designed by L&S Engineering Associates. Structural systems were designed by LSB Consulting Engineers. Rooftop gardens were designed by Gavin Associates. Site design was done by Storhaug Engineering. 

Following Article by Paul Dillon and Bart Mihailovich (partial)
Down to Earth, September 20, 2007

The Saranac building is located at 25 W. Main in Spokane, Washington . Originally constructed as a hotel in 1908, and part of the East Downtown Historic District, the building is an expansion of the Community Building complex.

Jim Sheehan, founder of the Center for Justice, a non-profit law firm, owns the Community Building and the Saranac. Along with Project Manager Dave Sanders and Principal Architect Rod Butler of Zeck Butler Architects, he's aiming for platinum LEED certification–the highest level possible (achieved in 2009), which is unheard of east of the Cascades.

The 98 solar panels are an unsual sight in Spokane, the largest private solar field in the state.

William Webster, owner of Isabella's Restaurant and Gin Joint gave DTE an enthusiastic tour last August. Construction equipment still scattered the hallways while he discussed project schematics and office practicality. "Every office has a window," he said, with better indoor quality. "Going to work should be enjoyable." He noted the air exchange system used 100% recycled air. (See our green photo tour below)

The Saranac is four stories with a total of 32,000 square feet of floor space. Following the Community Building theme, they're renting primarily to environmentally friendly non-profits.

In addition to the restaurant, new tenants include Community Minded Enterprises; Upper Columbia United Tribes; Kalispell Department of Natural Resources; The Lands Council; Columbia Institute for Water Policy; and offices for State Senator Lisa Brown, Representative Timm Ormsby and Representative Don Barlow. And there's the Magic Lantern movie theater and an art gallery on the main floor.

Sheehan, a former public defender, inherited a large amount of money years ago and used it to develop the Community Building.


Documents

  Saranac Building PowerPoint (1,479 kb)


Resources

Zeck Butler Architects (USA)