Northwoods

This large existing building was renovated, incorporating sustainability into every part of the design.

Location

Johnston, RI

Project Size

360,000 SF

About this Project

Sustainability

This project is certified LEED-Gold.

Re-named “Northwoods,” 1301 Atwood Avenue is owned by Hobbs Brook Real Estate and located on a 150-acre campus. Margulies Perruzzi developed this campus masterplan to eventually accommodate an additional 100,000 square foot building plus 50,000 square feet of retail and residential use.

Formerly occupied as headquarters for FM Global and originally built in 1972, the structure consists mostly of pre-stressed concrete beams that clear-span approximately fifty feet in each direction. The result is a unique combination of open space in large floorplates with a high percentage of perimeter glass.

Aside from the concrete structure, virtually all aspects of the building are now new. MP designed a unitized metal and glass curtain wall for the building’s envelope, providing high thermal efficiency and allowing daylight to filter deep into the building’s interior. The building achieved LEED Gold certification as all aspects of the materials, systems, landscape, and operations were designed sustainably.

As part of the repositioning of the structure to a multi-tenant building, MP designed three independent entrances, allowing for single or multi-tenant occupancy. The two-story entrances create inviting, convenient access via elegant monumental stairs.

Part of the facility’s appeal is the full-service cafeteria which spills out onto a landscaped deck overlooking expansive lawns and a nearby pond. The development also offers a shared 150-person conference center and gym.

MP subsequently provided interior architectural design services to Dassault Systèmes which occupies 90,000 square feet in the building.