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LPL Financial’s new Carolinas campus in Fort Mill, South Carolina provides a first-class working environment for LPL employees, with the office design focusing on natural daylighting, views, and amenities such as a boardwalk next to a pond, walking trails, cafeteria, health, and fitness centres.
Arup provided engineering and consulting services including structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire engineering, as well as IT, audiovisual, and security consulting. The project received LEED Gold certification and is targeting Net-Zero onsite water usage. The buildings will also be PV ready, allowing for future on-site net-zero energy.
Project Summary
450,000ft² office space
1,914spaceparking structure
LEED Goldcertification
Net zero energy
The client’s original aspirations aimed for on-site net-zero energy at this new regional campus. Arup worked with the architect and LPL to influence the site’s building shape, orientation, and façade to reduce energy demands. We also looked at optimizing the building systems to reduce demand further. We prepared an on-site renewable energy strategy to achieve net zero energy for the site.
To meet these goals, we recommended introducing daylight harvesting, high efficiency HVAC systems, high performing façade, and reducing plug and lighting loads.
Net zero water
Arup worked with the site civil engineer to develop a net zero water strategy. This included low flow fixtures, rainwater capture on all buildings and hardscapes, on-site water storage in the lakes and reed beds, recycled water filtration system supplying irrigation, and building non-potable water requirements.
Although some of these technologies were not installed before opening, many of the fundamental decisions we made helped the project achieve LEED Gold while also staying on budget. The building is renewable energy ready.
BIM
Building Information Modelling was key to the entire integrated design process. Models were shared on a regular basis to enable coordination in 3D between design team members. Significant reduction in building height was achieved through close coordination between our structures and mechanical groups.
We achieved this by running duct work through coordinated penetrations in the structural beams. Additionally, routing of below ground services through congested structural spaces was also achieved through intense coordination. The footprint of non-leasable spaces was optimised through use of 3D coordination as well.
The project stayed on schedule despite unforeseen delays, thanks to the use of preliminary works packages developed by the architect and Arup. The project remained on schedule and on budget.
Through the use of on-line meeting tools, frequent information exchange, and weekly meetings, the client was engaged in all decision making which streamlined project approvals and ensured everyone stayed engaged.
