Courtesy photo

A building located in downtown Fayetteville was awarded the only LEED Platinum certification in the state of Arkansas for 2017.

15 North Church, home to local architecture studio Modus Studio, Specialized Real Estate Group, and Crown Barbershop, earned the distinction late last year.

“This project sets a strong example of leadership in action,” said Linda K. Smith, USGBC Director for Arkansas and Oklahoma in a press release issued last week. “This LEED Platinum certification is an opportunity to highlight the highest level of building performance in Northwest Arkansas and clearly demonstrates the owner’s commitment to sustainable practices.”

The building was built in 1955, and served as a warehouse for Ozarks Electric Cooperative, and later, a television studio. Modus Studio and Specialized Real Estate Group purchased the building, and fully renovated it in 2013. In addition to serving as office spaces for the two companies and as home to the barbershop, it also includes a second story apartment with rooftop deck.

Modus Studio designed the project, which includes several distinctive features. The black rainscreen on the building was finished by an ancient Japanese technique called “shou sugi ban,” where local cypress wood was charred with a custom forge built by Modus Studios. The burnt finish requires no maintenance, is resistant to insects, fire, and moisture, and is projected to last for 80 years without the use of chemicals.

The building uses energy and water saving fixtures and appliances, and natural lighting throughout. It also utilizes green landscaping features such as drought-resistant landscaping, native plants chosen to attract pollinators, a water-permeable parking area, green roof, and a rainwater cistern.

LEED is a voluntary, third-party verified green building rating system that addresses the site, water energy, materials, and indoor environmental quality of the facility.

According to a press release about the achievement, “the LEED certification of 15 Church was based on building achievements that have a positive impact on the facility itself and the broader community,” including:
– 31 percent reduction of potable water use over a baseline due to the installation of efficient faucet, toilet, and urinal fixtures.
– Energy efficiency is improved by 21 percent over a baseline modeled comparison to a similar building constructed to the ASHRAE 90.1-2007 energy efficiency standard.
– More than 97 percent of the original building’s structural elements were reused.
– 100 percent of the interior paints and coatings, adhesives and sealants, composite wood, agrifiber products and flooring systems contain minimal or no Volatile Organic Content (VOC).
– More than 87 percent of the on-site generated construction waste was diverted from the landfill through recycling.

A celebration marking the LEED Platinum certification is planned from 4-6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan 17. Architects and developers will offer tours of the building highlighting the green building elements, and Fayetteville Mayor Lioneld Jordan and Linda K. Smith, USGBC Director for Arkansas and Oklahoma will present the LEED Seal.

For a bit more info, including several before and after photos of the project, visit specializedreg.com.