Sustainable Design
One of SWSG's important goals is using better products that maximize the quality of the built environment while minimizing or eliminating negative impact to the natural environment.
Our commitment to excellence remains the underlying principle of our practice. We provide services to the high quality standards of our profession that respond to the specific needs and visions of our clients
Technical Experience with Sustainable Design
Using LEED and sustainable design concepts and products, SWSG has provided innovative and energy efficient designs for numerous building projects including recreational and historic facilities. For example:
- SWSG provided project management and engineering services for the vegetated roof of the Fairfax County Heritty Parking garage.
- SWSG designed a geothermal system for the Historic Huntley Mansion in Fairfax County. The system was energy efficient and allowed the historic building to maintain its period of significance for public viewing while remaining unencumbered with a more traditional HVAC system.
- Pool dehumidification units that provide free heating of the pool water were designed for Fairfax County’s South Run, Oak Marr, and George Washington recreation centers.
- Energy recovery units for the locker rooms were designed for the three recreation centers above plus the Reston Community Center.
- At the Fairfax County Government Center, SWSG replaced a control system with a new Trane DDC system and integrated it to use existing pneumatic controllers
Creative Use of Low Maintenance Materials
SWSG often designs for the use of low maintenance materials. A prime example is the materials specified for the new Mason District Amphitheatre. In lieu of wooden materials SWSG specified the following low maintenance materials:
- Painted “Sierra 8” fiber cement vertical siding panels provided a low-maintenance material without sacrificing the beauty of the wood.
- 2X6 Composite decking which would not splinter, rot, warp or need sanding and staining like wood.
- Eco-Shake Roof, an innovative roofing material comprised of 100% recycled materials, reinforced vinyl and cellulose fiber.
Design Innovation
Natural Light Glass Hyphen Between Structures
John Barton Payne Library (1923) ADA Addition
Several schematic design options were submitted to the Warrenton Architectural Review Board in order to provide ADA accessibility, and to increase the occupancy load by creating a second exit. An addition was constructed that is sympathetic to the historic character of the old library. The design utilizes a glass hyphen between the old and new structures to maintain the form of the historic building and provides natural lighting.