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AMD Office Building

Salt Lake City, Utah

Built in 1896, this once simple yet beautiful Victorian home had suffered from decades of neglect and was in dire need of repair and renovation. Though deemed "uninhabitable" by the city, Angela Dean along with a partner acquired this historic structure in July of 2003. The intention was to restore and update the property for use as the future home of AMD Architecture, as well as other small businesses.

What makes this particular design stand apart from other traditional historic remodels, are the many elements of sustainable design infused with historic renovation. The goal was to maintain the character and fabric of historic elements while creating an environmentally responsible structure to meet modern needs. This entailed using renewable products and adding energy efficient elements, and improving structural stability of the original building. Every attempt was made to preserve this structure based on the philosophy of sustainability and ensure it’s long term viability.

If we look back to the turn of the century, we see the use of natural, local products and resources, which were used to construct these timeless homes. They still stand over 100 years later with amazing integrity. It is a homage to these homes, that we can today, still choose to build with renewable products and local resources while preserving our heritage. The quality of the adaptive re-use in this project will allow this structure to withstand the next 100 plus years of use.

Design

• Re-hab of 1896 structure, maintaining character and fabric of historic elements of city
• Human environment –Healthy and pleasant work environment.

Site

• 1/2 block from public transportation rail station, bike rack
• >50% parking area is porous paving to minimize site runoff
• Trees selected and located to provide shade and energy conservation

Materials

• Sustainable/renewable materials
• Cork, bamboo, recycled carpet
• Low maintenance exterior finishes
• Recycled steel structure and siding
• Trestlewood (reclaimed) siding

Interior quality

• Natural daylighting in all spaces
• Low-VOC paints, stains and finishes
• Operable windows for climate and fresh air control
• Hard cleanable surfaces

Energy & Water efficiency

• “Cool Roof” surface to reduce overheating
• New Energy Efficient HVAC system installed
• Improved insulation and tightening building envelope
• On-demand water heater, gas fired
• New low-e windows throughout
• Energy Efficient lighting
• Future – plans for rooftop PV (perfect So exposure/roof angle)
• Xeriscape
• Minimal water use based on office use in building
• Low-flow plumbing fixtures

Some text that may accompany images:
Open natural lighting and modern shelving accompany the 100 year old wood and stone fireplace in the main office.

The conference room with its beautiful recycled cork flooring and modern lighting is in step with the original in-wall cabinetry.

The most striking change to the buildings exterior is the Eastern exposure. A poorly constructed addition on rear of the home is now an artistic combination of design elements.

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