Ecologically aware architecture is a wonderful feat in itself, but when teamed up with those looking to improve communities, it’s exactly the type of collaboration that we can’t get enough of. Last February Super-Interesting!, a sustainable New York architecture firm, paired up with the Red Hook Initiative (RHI) to retrofit a 3,000 square foot Brooklyn warehouse to be the new headquarters of RHI, a local community group that works with kids and young adults.

The design of the new headquarters accommodates shared open spaces, meeting rooms of various sizes, and private offices which are perfect for programs and services that RHI provides each month for the community. RHI programs focus on social change by empowering individuals through trainings, workshops, and employment. The services provided each month range from cooking classes to HIV/AIDS awareness to direct environmental stewardship such as neighborhood tree planting.

RHI emphasizes sustainability and the new headquarters echoes this dedication. The renovation process was simple yet extremely innovative. The designers used low-impact materials throughout the retrofitted space, including soy-based blown insulation as well as low-VOC paints and stains. The headquarters is also equipped with high-efficiency mechanical and lighting systems that complement the passive ventilation and daylighting techniques. The façade is a beautiful green wall that is planted over a metal lattice screen, further promoting RHI dedication to sustainability throughout all its endeavors.

+ Super-Interesting! + Red Hook Initiative

via Architizer

1 Comment

Elemental LED staff April 28, 2011 at 7:23 pm

Wow, do those ceiling lights adjust their color temperature to match the daylight from outside? I looked on the Super-Interesting site, but it doesn’t say there. Do you gave any idea of what technology is behind this? What kind of lights are they?