Skanska USA Flagship Office - Empire State Building

Skanska USA recently occupied an entire floor in the Empire State Building. Built during the Great Depression, the building is still one of New York City’s most historic and iconic structures. Housed in the flagship offices on the 32nd floor are 80 Skanska employees from the New York area . Designed and built to exceptionally high sustainability standards, the completely renovated floor offers day-lighting throughout and exceptional views for all of its employees. The office will applying for a LEED-CI Platinum certification, the highest level awarded by the United States Green Building Council.

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Constructing the project

“Cook+Fox Architects created a healthy, modern workplace that showcases Skanska’s dedication to sustainability and setting a standard for environmentally responsible, economical design. An open plan office design emphasizes daylight and efficient ventilation by capturing the inherent functionality of the Empire State Building, originally designed as a daylit office. The coffered ceilings are exposed and an efficient raised floor mechanical system delivers highly filtered air replacing overhead ducts. The plan uses the cardinal directions as the main orienting concept, allowing the configuration of the building core to capture views to daylight in all four directions from the center of the plan.”

Partners construction

Cook+Fox Architects
Swanke Hayden Connell Architects
Cosentini Associates
Terrapin Bright Green
Arup

Benefits for the client

Over 80% of construction waste was diverted for recycling
Maintained over 40% of interior non-structural components of the existing space
Over 90% of the office receives natural daylight
99% of employees have direct line of site to the outdoor environment
Over 90% of the wood-based materials are certified in accordance with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
28% of building materials were manufactured within 500 miles
40% water use reduction below the Energy Policy Act Standards
35% less energy use than ASHRAE standards
Pressurized raised floor and operable floor diffusers for individual comfort control
Utilized recycled and rapidly renewable materials including cork, paperstone, and modular carpet tiles
Occupancy and daylight sensors conserve energy and maximize natural light for interior illumination
Carbon dioxide sensors to monitor air quality
Electrical, chilled water and steam meters installed to monitor utility consumption
Office equipped with ADA shower with flow restrictors, dual-flush toilets, hand-sensor faucets, and waterless urinals
Low VOC paints, adhesives, and finishes
Energy efficient Dyson Airblade hand dryers at restrooms to reduce paper waste
Bike rack and shower installed to encourage alternate and sustainable transportation

Awards

The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission approved all modifications to the building’s exterior, including louvers and window applications
An internal audit was conducted for International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14001 compliance
The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA) monitored the indoor air quality during and after construction
The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) will review the office’s LEED submittal for LEED certification approval