- Location:
- Houston, TX
- Architect:
- kevin daly Architects with Productura
- Structural Engineer:
- Arup
- Contractor:
- WS Bellows
- Developer:
- Houston Endowment
- Award Category:
- Regional Excellence
- Photos:
- Iwan Baan; kdA; Arup
The stark white exterior stands in direct contrast to the warm wood ceilings in this new headquarters for Houston Endowment, a private foundation that supports the city’s arts, parks, and public schools. Originally planned as a cast concrete structure, the project team chose a hybrid design that includes exposed CLT floor and roof systems. The team says the use of mass timber helped reduce costs while offering a lighter weight structure that resolved problematic soil conditions. An extensive solar array sits on a semi-freestanding canopy that shelters the entire structure, meeting 90% of the building’s annual energy demands. The building also uses a unique closed-loop geothermal HVAC system with interior fans placed throughout the building, reducing the need for air conditioning. Formerly located in dark offices in a downtown high-rise, the new headquarters gives the Houston Endowment a facility that meets its ambitious carbon reduction objectives and 2030 Net Zero goals. 25,000 sf / Type III-B construction