In the heart of downtown Minneapolis, Stahl undertook the ambitious task of renovating the office space of MSR Design, transforming it into a beacon of sustainability. This collaborative workspace, now home to MSR employees and several office dogs, stands as a testament to the power of the Living Building Challenge (LBC) framework.
The renovation process was a symphony of moving parts, each orchestrated to minimize environmental impact. No dumpsters or garbage cans were allowed on the job site; instead, materials were meticulously managed to ensure nothing went to waste. The electrician’s innovative use of burlap sacks instead of boxes to transport supplies was just one example of the creative solutions employed.
The Stahl team adhered to stringent LBC guidelines, mentoring subcontractors to ensure every piece of demolished material found new life within the building’s walls. For instance, drywall from a dismantled pillar was repurposed as additional insulation, enhancing both thermal efficiency and fireproofing.
Even the details were reimagined for sustainability, such as a garage door powered by soybean oil instead of traditional hydraulic fluid. This commitment to the LBC’s principles not only fulfilled the project’s ambitious goals but also set a new standard for construction in Minnesota.