The building envelope is exceedingly energy efficient. With the structure kept inboard of the building's skin, a non-combustible, high R-value system wraps the building, including structural insulated panels on the roof and continuous wall cavities filled with dense pack cellulose, which stop all infiltration. In a blower door test conducted by Efficiency Vermont, the building achieved a permeability of 0.16 air changes per hour.

The daylighting strategy includes triple glazed fiberglass, operable windows, with a center section having photovoltaics within the glazing. The use of vertical and horizontal insulated, translucent panel systems at the shed bends are dramatic and effective, balancing solar gain from the south with daylight from the north. NPS manufactures remote location power systems, which are tested in the Environmental Testing Lab (ETL) and on the support matrix integrated into the south elevation. This innovative system permits fine-tuning of shading strategies, installation of photovoltaics and solar hot water, and a highly visible way for the building to “learn” from ongoing company research. The mechanical system uses waste heat and electrical energy of the test operations throughout all seasons.

The budget of $106/sf is a completed construction budget (site & building) for a design based on comprehensive environmental considerations using LEED guidelines as a base review. While a low first cost expense was achieved, the design still sought to reduce the life cycle cost of the building, cut energy use and enhance durability. A payback analysis of building components allowed effective choices to be made early in the design stages. The choice of interior materials, paints and finishes minimizes the use of VOC’s and improves the Indoor Air Quality. This kind of analysis enables thoughtful design.

The program developed spatial needs for the different components of the business to be housed; the design engineers, the environmental testing lab (ETL), the sales group, and the management team have room to grow within the flexibility of the new building. The program spaces fit into a simple shed with the high side to the south and the low to the north, balancing sunlight from the south and daylighting from the north. The vertical clearance requirements in the ETL staggered floor levels throughout the section. There is a company culture of ad hoc meetings and spaces for these are provided, both inside and outside.