The grass roof provides thermal and acoustic insulation while protecting the waterproofing membrane. 901 Cherry is designed around the concept that people would rather spend their day outside. Daylight, fresh air, and views of the outdoors are celebrated throughout the two-story structure. The office space is organized around three interior courtyard atriums, capped by extensive light monitors that deliver daylight deep into the surrounding office space. Throughout the building, occupants are no more than thirty feet from a source of daylight.
Fresh air is also plentiful.
The light monitors vent warm exhaust air, and there are operable windows throughout the building. Additionally, a raised floor provides a displacement ventilation design optimizing indoor air quality and energy efficiency, while providing maximum space-planning flexibility. Energy saving features include nighttime air flushing, as cool night air is run across the thermal mass of the slab within the raised floor. The raised floor also eliminates the need for dropped acoustic ceilings, allowing the exposed acoustical structural deck to reflect upward-directed ambient lighting. The upfront cost of these features will be offset by operating savings within the first six years of occupancy, quickly resulting in net savings.