Missouri Historical Society

Project Summary

Missouri Historical Society
St. Louis, Missouri

Project Type:
Museum Expansion

Size:
86,189 square feet

Year Constructed / Occupied:
1999/2000

Project Details

The addition to the Missouri Historical Society Museum in St. Louis, Missouri provides the increased space and services to meet the needs of the museum staff and visiting public, while at the same time presenting a modern example of energy and environmentally responsible architecture. Two large atrium spaces – one between the existing museum and the addition, and one at the new south entry – bring spaciousness and light to the building interior. The café, gift shop, and other spaces on the south façade are daylit from an open, articulated fenestration system which combines high performance glazing, fixed exterior shades, and automated interior shades. Combined with high efficiency mechanical and electrical systems, the museum addition achieves significant annual energy cost savings in an environmentally responsive manner.

Sustainable Design Features

High levels of energy efficiency and sustainable design have been integrated throughout this award winning design — high performance glazing, perimeter and atrium daylighting strategies, underfloor air distribution, and high efficiency electric lighting and mechanical systems.
High performance low-emissivity glazings tuned by orientation and function, with frit and exterior shading to control solar heat gain.
Aggressive daylighting of all spaces, except for museum exhibition spaces, through perimeter fenestration and atrium clerestory windows.
High efficiency electric lighting used throughout, with daylight (photosensor) and occupancy controls as appropriate to reduce electric consumption and demand.
High efficiency HVAC system with underfloor air distribution to improve comfort and indoor air quality. Variable volume air-handling and VFDs on all motor fans and pumps.
Low-environmental impact materials and products used throughout the design.