The building, used in the past for hospital wards, now houses nonprofit organizations focused on environmental and sustainable development issues. Transforming the historic building into office space with new energy efficient building systems and green materials proved a challenge to the design team. For example, the facility's historic status precluded replacing the old windows with energy efficient ones. The project uses proven technology with low initial cost and fast payback.
Natural ventilation is used instead of mechanical cooling.
Features of the original design, such as narrow floor plates for daylighting and natural ventilation, are incorporated instead of mechanical cooling and lighting. Lighting design is intended to minimize energy use while providing pleasant light quality. Building materials were selected to minimize the impact on the environment.