For ADC’s World Headquarters, The Weidt Group collaborated with HGA on envelope design for daylighting and total energy performance from early in the schematic design phase. The Weidt Group provided quantitative feedback on fenestration alternatives, showing the impact of various glazing and shading decisions on energy and daylighting. With alternatives varying from 30% to 75% glazing of the exterior wall, the team evaluated the architectural considerations in the context of energy use, arriving at an optimum of about 42% glazed, including unique “edge atria” which helped get daylight and view access deep into the workspace areas.

This was a 30% reduction in overall glass area from the schematic design. The design team selected an in-floor heating and cooling system that delivers air to each workstation so that each employee regulates a Personal Environment Monitor that automatically shuts off when the employee leaves. By selecting the second of four optional bundles of technologies, the integrated design effort reduced the building's overall energy use by 40%, reduced operating costs by 37% and reduced peak energy use by 30%.