KSBA Headquarters

Front view of the 110-year-old former undertaker's stable prior to renovation in August 1998.

In 1998, KSBA Architects renovated a 19th-century, former undertaker's stable in the Lawrenceville section of Pittsburgh, PA. The historic structure, which most recently served as an auto repair shop, was transformed into a state-of-the-art, information-technology head-quarters for the firm. Not only showcasing the latest design innovations, the facility serves as a working laboratory for emergent-technology research including integrated-access flooring with modular cabling and under-floor HVAC, along with high-intensity indirect lighting.

The building was selected to be a part of the US Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy Efficient and Environmental Design (LEED) Pilot Program. It was one of the first 11 nationally and three in Pennsylvania to be certified in March 2000.

Sustainable features include the high-ventilation rate, low-energy use, convection-enhanced underfloor HVAC, elimination of carpet adhesives, skylights, operable windows, total reuse of an existing building, use of local materials, recycling of demolition waste, reuse of office furniture and casework from the previous location, location near four bus routes, along with showers and parking for bicyclers. In modeling and actual use, the building uses 30% of the energy of an ASHRAE minimum building.

Located near Doughboy Square, the structure was originally built in 1888 in the Romanesque Revival style and, as part of a multi-property development acquisition, represents the continuation of a decade-long neighborhood revitalization program.

In cooperation with Lawrenceville Corporation (formerly Lawrenceville Development Corporation), Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation, PNC Bank, Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh and Local Initiative Support Corporation, KSBA designed and managed the entire renovation project and moved its operations from Pittsburgh's North Side in December 1998.

The extensively renovated, LEED-certified, KSBA office building's historic facade belies the highly functional and contemporary info-tech interior.

Interior view of the main studio shows design elements which include indirect high-intensity lighting, skylights, remote-control shades, re-used custom-designed workstations, creative use of color and the mezzanine level added during the renovation.

Mezzanine level includes additional workstations, product library and a conference area.

The first-floor conference room with roof-height ceiling and post-industrial style lighting has a wall of street-facing windows which allow for plenty of natural light and a view of the pedestrian-friendly neighborhood outside.