BOSTON-- CBT Architects received LEED Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council for Suffolk University’s 10 West Residence Hall — a distinction shared by just a handful of student residence halls in Massachusetts. Suffolk’s newest residence hall combines smart real estate strategy, innovative design and green building practices to meet the demand for student housing in heart of Boston.

Suffolk acquired the property in Downtown Crossing, one of Boston’s most vibrant urban neighborhoods when a local developer’s plans to renovate the buildings into one-bedroom and studio condominiums had failed. With the project 85 percent complete, CBT began the historic renovation and rehabilitation of the early 20th century buildings into a residence to house 270 students. Working within the individual condominium floor plans, CBT transformed these fixed configurations with minimal demolition into lofts, suites, singles, and studio housing. The building now houses a far larger number of people per unit and per floor but still offers Suffolk students a hip, urban and sustainable living environment

“By incorporating green building principles into the entire process from programming to design to construction, a high degree of sustainability was realized,” said Christopher Hill, AIA, principal of CBT Architects. “The LEED Gold certification for the 10 West Residence Hall demonstrates CBT’s continued commitment to building environmental friendly and energy efficient buildings.”

10 West Residence Hall’s Sustainable Highlights:

•           Located in a high-density urban area that is readily accessible via public transportation

•           Reuse of an existing building prevented demolition waste and reduced the amount of new building materials required for construction

•           Over 80% of the regularly occupied spaces are daylit

•           New HVAC design has direct digital controls providing centralized monitoring, adjustment, and alarms for each piece of equipment

•           More than 75% of the construction waste was recycled

•           More than 20% of total building materials content by value was manufactured using recycled materials

•           Installation of low-flow plumbing fixtures that use a 1/3 less water than standard fixtures

•           Low-emitting carpets, paints and coatings, adhesives and sealants, wood, and furnishings contribute to protecting the indoor air quality

•           Local and regional building materials and furnishings were specified

•           Signage to educate building occupants and visitors of environmental features

•           A green housekeeping program that reduces waste, improves indoor air quality, and protects the environment from harmful cleaning chemicals.