Setting new standards in embassy design

World Architecture News (WAN) discusses the first overseas U.S. diplomatic facility to receive LEED Platinum Certification, for which Page served as the architect of record. They provide details on the sustainable features that earned this notable achievement.

According to WAN, "The Moore Ruble Yudell-designed US Embassy renovation in Helsinki, Finland has become the first US diplomatic facility to receive LEED Platinum Certification. The $125m Innovation Center was officially unveiled in early 2013 and is projected to reduce energy costs by 46%.

The centre was joined by a new chancery in phase II and a renovation of the existing chancery and ambassador’s residence is planned for later this year.

Moore Ruble Yudell was design architect for the project with Page of Arlington, Virginia as architect of record and BL Harbert International heading construction.

The design of the Innovation Center incorporates a plethora of sustainable features, such as natural ventilation, triple glazed windows, high-performing thermal roof insulation, air-side economisers and 100% LED lighting.

Water will be conserved across the development through the integration of low-flush and low-flow plumbing fixtures as well as careful landscaping with specific plants selected to eliminate the need for permanent irrigation. 

At ground level the Innovation Center is anchored in black granite sourced locally in Finland, while white brick with vertical bands of textured granite is employed on the west façade to reference birch trees found nearby.

The north façade of the building faces out over the Gulf of Finland, often abuzz with cruise ships and local passenger ferries. This activity can be observed through large expanses of translucent textured glass which also draws in vast quantities of natural light." 

To see the gallery of images on WAN, click here. 

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