Hazelwood had not seen any development in over 20 years when we tackled this project - the renovation of a 14,000 sq ft structure in the heart of the main commercial area, with a deep community history.
The project was designed and built to Passive House levels of performance. The structure was insulated from the inside because the client was attached to the low-maintenance quality of the existing masonry facade. The basement had a high ceiling height making it possible to insulate the slab from the top and add a new finish floor. Despite primary orientation along the north-south axis it was possible to hit all of the Passive House Energy Targets. Rain gardens and bio-swales catch the rainwater, and a small exterior patio is planted with grasses to soften the street edge.
The ground level is portioned into three leasable office spaces for local non-profit groups, including The Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center, and The Early Learning Hub of Hazelwood, an initiative of the Pittsburgh Association for the Education of Young Children. The upper level is the new home of the Hazelwood branch of the Carnegie Library, doubling the size of their former space. A two-story entry vestibule was added to the Second Avenue street face. This addition includes an elevator and vertical glass curtain wall that contrasts the elongated masonry structure. The project was developed and delivered as Grade B office space.
AIA Pittsburgh, Award of Excellence in Sustainable Design, October 2015