Swinerton Builders Completes Green Convent in San Rafael

November 01, 2005
(San Rafael, CA)

General contractor Swinerton Builders recently completed a new residential hall for the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael, which will have a LEED Silver rating under guidelines established by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

The convent, located at the Dominican Sisters' campus on Grand Avenue in San Rafael, will house eight residents.

Swinerton Builders, in partnership with architects Van Meter Williams Pollock of San Francisco, incorporated the latest green and sustainable building techniques and materials in the project. These included:

- High fly-ash-content concrete for recycled content

- Blown-in cellulose insulation to minimize heat gain and loss and maximize sound attenuation

- Use of Forest Stewardship Council-certified lumber for sustainability

- Carpet, paint, and interior finishes selected for recycled content and longevity

- Solar electric and hot water systems to save energy

With these and many other attributes, the building is on its way to LEED Silver Certification from the USGBC.

"The project is a testament to Dominican Sisters commitment to the environment," said Swinerton Green Building Chairman and Operations Manager Bill Krill. "It takes its design cues from the other buildings on the campus, while retaining architectural independence by using passive solar energy, sun shading, roof color and other techniques to minimize temperature fluctuations and energy use. Whenever possible, we work with clients to identify ways to incorporate green building applications into projects that are not only good for the environment, but also provide economic benefits."

The Swinerton Green Building program is a leader within the construction industry. Swinerton currently has several LEED Accredited Professionals in each office. Swinerton's headquarters building in San Francisco was one of the first LEED-certified building renovations in the world.

With offices throughout California and the West, Swinerton Builders is one of the leading general contractors in the U.S.

CONTACT:
Swinerton Builders
Will Cannell
Marketing Manager
415.984.1247
wcannell@swinerton.com