There is no better example of creative rebuilding and reuse of suburban structures other than this national company’s decision to rebuild its 1972-era corporate headquarters on it’s existing nineteen-acre campus in Morristown.
During this astounding undertaking, the entire staff of 700+ people were temporarily relocated to a satellite location in Parsippany, NJ, used as a “swing site” so that work could commence at their headquarters. The entire relocation process was managed and executed by Kimmerle Project Management.
The building’s steel and glass structure was stripped to its bare bones, while new mechanical and electrical systems were gutted and fully replaced with the latest standards for use, control and energy efficiency – the site itself was also transformed. A forty-year-old parking deck was carefully dismantled and replaced with a 450-space precast concrete structure; the structure complements the new glass and granite facade of the 225,000 SF headquarters building which presents a contemporary and bold image for this use.
This project fits into Crum & Forsters’ continuous improvement of all their offices throughout the country to create a more employee friendly, healthy, and modern environment.
The reconstruction of this headquarters location represents a clear step forward for corporate environments in New Jersey, supports the states long-standing public agenda for sustainable development and provides a wonderful and carefully crafted corporate home for its employees – a truly one of a kind statement about corporate responsibility and attention to the larger objectives of sustainable economic growth.
Site Features
The site was already fully built out and by renovating and re-using the base site features of roads and parking, and building structural frame – budget, time and energy consumption were minimized.
Building site is two blocks walking distance from a major train station.
Plug-in dock stations will be installed in parking area for electric vehicles.
Half-mile walking trail was built on site, utilizing eight-acres of undeveloped land.
Building Features
New high-performance double-glazing insulated and tinted curtain wall systems replaced a
single-pane inefficient glass system.
Existing granite stair towers were sandblasted to restore original finish rather than replace.
A central atrium with glass walls was inserted at center of building and a new 900 SF
pyramid skylight was introduced to provide natural light to underground conference center.
All offices were placed on interior with full glass fronts, allowing employees direct daylight.
A system of perimeter shades are being used to prevent glare and UV light to enter, thus avoiding cooling needs, while still allowing daylight and vision.
A rooftop deck carved from a former mechanical penthouse structure.
A wellness program was adapted, which includes, a full fitness center, outdoor exercise trail, outdoor recreation area and exterior roof deck for work and area events.
Mechanical Features
Brand-new energy efficient HVAC plant were installed consisting of multiple rooftop units with high-energy efficiency and recycled heating is being used in lieu of an aging plant.
All HVAC systems have additional fresh air intake beyond code requirement.
All mechanical and electrical infrastructure were put into a commissioning system that requires them to run at 100% optimum performance.
Sustainable Features
The building is LEED certified Silver, with plaques being showcased in the building.
Reduction of water use by use of plumbing fixtures with water saving units.
Building is a non-smoking site.
All lighting in building is motion activated, which allows the lights only to come on when a space is actively occupied.
All perimeter lighting is on daylight sensors, and will adjust dependent on sun conditions.
Existing crushed rock material from old ballasted roof and parking garage demolition was reused on site as fill and base for new construction areas.
A large portion of ceiling and flooring was left exposed for aesthetics, but importantly for minimal use of new construction materials.
75% of all materials were sourced from a 500-mile range distance to reduce transportation needs and energy consumption.
All wood materials were sourced from recycled content providers.
Welcome packets were provided for employees upon their return to the headquarters site, which included information about the sustainable features of their new home as part of the education program.
