Project Scope

Graycor recently completed demolition and renovation of 79,000 square feet of office space at BP’s Naperville, Ill., campus. The project – appropriately deemed the Monarch Project – was named for the metamorphosis-like, environmentally friendly process used to remodel the space. Graycor recycled and reused 90 percent of all building materials removed from the site, a process called Green Construction, which included separating construction waste and recycling building materials.

During the 11-month project, more than 280 tons of debris were recycled. New building materials – including flooring made from recycled rubber tires, formaldehyde-free wood-work and special paints with low toxic gas emissions -were selected by the architect utilizing a philosophy known as Green Design. Similar to Green Construction, the practice attempts to meet present design needs without com-promising the environment.

The office space was also redesigned with an open plan to enhance employees’ ability to share information. Interior walls were removed, converting traditional offices and cubicles into large, open working environments. Low-profile workstations were then arranged into honeycomb-shaped clusters. In addition, collaborative working spaces resembling coffee shop nooks were constructed. These spaces, called “Digital Diners,” are wired for voice and data and include plasma monitors for company-wide communications.