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Founder’s Row

Falls Church, VA

SWA was invited to join the project team for this mixed-use development in the DC Metro Area to determine the best green building certification program to pursue, develop plans to achieve certification, and conduct testing and inspections to show compliance.

Project Overview

The project team decided to pursue Gold level NGBS Green Certification from Home Innovation Research Labs for the age-restricted building, which was above and beyond the Silver level certification for the main building. This prompted additional discussion about what would be needed to achieve the higher certification level.

SWA initiated a discussion with the design team and recommended certification credits that added points with the most value to the project. Some of these credits required very little design changes, but added a lot of value, such as performance testing.

Building Details

  • Main building: 368,849 SF
  • Age-restricted building: 86,477 SF

Project Team

  • Developer & Owner: Mill Creek Residential Trust (MCRT)
  • Architect: WDG Architecture

Services Provided

  • Certification Support & Verification

Project Background

Founder’s Row is a two-building, mixed-use development outside of Washington, DC. The main building includes 322 market-rate units and retail space, including a movie theater and restaurants. The age-restricted building contains 72 units reserved for residents age 55 and older. The community’s amenities include a fitness center, outdoor courtyards with a pool and a dog run, recreation spaces, and a business center. Founder’s Row is close to bus lines—which provide access to the DC Metro—and the historic Washington and Old Dominion Bike Trail.

Energy Savings

  • Compared to the baseline, the main building achieved 21% energy savings, and the age-restricted building achieved 26% savings. This was accomplished by constructing a highly insulated building envelope; selecting ENERGY STAR® appliances; and installing high-efficiency heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment.
  • The team ensured optimal indoor air quality by using low-VOC plywood, paints, adhesives, carpet, and insulation. In fact, 85% of these materials used were certified low VOC. Closet shelving and kitchen counters were also constructed with non-emitting materials.
  • SWA verified low air infiltration levels through performance testing and ensured that bathroom exhaust fans meet ventilation requirements.

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