CertainTeed Malvern Sustainable Innovation Center

Malvern, Pennsylvania

Multi-phase renovation of Saint-Gobain/CertainTeed's 40,000 sf Malvern materials science building with Living Building Challenge Core + LEED Platinum interiors

Three big ideas:

Living Building Challenge,
Healthy Interiors,
Biophilic Design

Saint-Gobain/CertainTeed’s Malvern Sustainable Innovation Center is composed of laboratories and office spaces for materials scientists for the company’s North America Headquarters. Sustainability, innovation, and biophilic design were central visions for the redevelopment of the existing low slung 1970’s brick building in the shadow of their award winning double LEED Platinum headquarters. The project entailed multiple phases including an exterior refresh and fenestration replacement, interior renovations of the office area, development of a new lab for material research, equipment upgrades and relocations in existing labs, as well as lighting and flooring replacement in existing labs.

The first phase of interior renovations has achieved Living Building Challenge Core Ready designation and is LEED Platinum for Commercial Interiors certified.

The Certainteed Malvern Sustainable Innovation Center has been recognized with the following awards:

  • AIA Philadelphia Design Excellence Merit Award + Sustainability Citation
  • AIA Pennsylvania COTE Finalist
  • Green Building United Groundbreakers Honorable Mention

Fast Facts

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Ready designated under Living Building Challenge Core

LEED Platinum Certified

Over 200 unique, low-embodied carbon, full transparency materials including many from the Saint-Gobain/CertainTeed portfolio

100% utilization of wood from low-risk sources

Over 85% of construction and demolition waste diverted from landfills

Sourcing of over 50% of materials from within 310 miles of the site

Design for 35% energy reduction over base-case

Rooftop solar photovoltaic panel array that produces 35,000 kWh annually

50% reduction of water (55,000 gallons+) annually through fixture upgrades

Staff engaged biophilic design workshop

Social + environmental framework assessment of all project team members

“Saint Gobain / CertainTeed has long been a mainstay in the sustainable building materials industry with a vision to “be the worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction.” When Re:Vision proposed Living Building Challenge Core Green Building Certification in addition to LEED Platinum for our renovation of CertainTeed Innovation Malvern, it was an easy decision for us as Core pushes forward our commitment to sustainability in the built environment.

Achieving Core Ready designation allows us to demonstrate not just our environmental sustainability, but also our commitment to health, wellness, and belonging for our staff and community. ”

– Todd Dinoia
Vice President Innovation & R+D, Saint-Gobain North America

Project Gallery

From the main Headquarters, the low-slung building appears to emerge from the landscape. Photo by Don Pearse.
The main lobby features a first of kind installation of a new "petal" ceiling product from CertainTeed.
The cafe is a multi-purpose tech-enabled space activated throughout the day for group and individual work as well as larger meetings and presentations. Photo by Don Pearse.
The main social hub of the building is a subtle study in biophilic design featuring curved surfaces, a moss wall, natural materials and patterns, and opportunities for prospect and refuge. Photo by Don Pearse.
The corner overlook window features a curved glass pane honoring the original architectural design of the building.
Smaller break out rooms separate public spaces from desk areas. The rooms are pulled away from the facade to democratize daylight and views. Photo by Don Pearse.
Labs were reconfigured to move working space near windows, making it feel like a treehouse.
The corner lab maximizes access to daylight and views.
The office space is strategically positioned in the building to create a feeling of working in the trees with dappled light and shadow grazing the perimeter walkway.
Workstations were designed in clusters to provide opportunities for focus and collaborative work.
The project featured a full-day biophilic design workshop where over 30 attendees from the design team and Saint-Gobain/CertainTeed explored nature and charretted on how to bring biophilia into the project.
Careful attention was paid in the design to prevent rooms from feeling closed off. Throughout the office, spaces are wrapped in views of the tree canopy that surrounds the building as well as connection to other indoor spaces. Photo by Don Pearse.
Instead of fixed conference tables, collaboration rooms utilize modular tables on casters for maximum flexibility from training to meetings. Photo by Don Pearse.
The intensely linear building's underlying geometry becomes apparent with the newly visible play of light and shadow. Photo by Don Pearse.
The once dark and dated brick building (with curved corners!) takes on a new air of crisp modernity thanks to a fresh coat of paint, brand signage, and clear glazing replacements.
Re:Vision worked with Saint-Gobain's branding team to create LBC educational signage throughout the space.
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