The 46 Blackstone Street renovation unified three 19th-century masonry buildings into an environmentally sustainable workplace for Harvard University Operations Services (UOS). A glazed 100′-long lightslot joins the buildings, and a three-story skylit stairway allows light deep into the building. Over 90% of occupants now enjoy daylight, fresh air and views from operable windows.
Blackstone was Harvard’s first LEED Platinum-certified building, and a model for environmental design on campus. At the time of completion, it was the highest-scoring LEED renovation in the nation, and the oldest building to earn Platinum certification. Energy-saving features include an innovative insulation system at the historic brick walls, a geothermal cooling system, and a heat recovery wheel. Energy-efficient, low-VOC equipment and materials were used throughout (including daylight sensors, occupant sensors, and an energy-efficient elevator). A landscaped courtyard, sculpted from earth excavated during construction, requires no irrigation; a bio-retention pond treats storm water runoff.
2008 American Institute of Architects New England | Design Merit Award
2008 Cambridge Historical Commission | Preservation Award
2008 College Planning & Management | Green Design Award
2007 Boston Society of Architects | Honor Award for Sustainable Design
2007 Environmental Design and Construction Finalist | Excellence in Design Awards
2007 City of Cambridge | Go Green Award
2007 Associated General Contractors of Massachusetts | Build New England, Merit Award
COMPLETED
2006
SIZE
42,000 sf