By Peter Barhydt
Addressing the growing issue of climate change and reaffirming its commitment to sustainability, HMTX Industries unveiled its new World Headquarters in Norwalk, Connecticut. The 24,000-square-foot building, designed by McLennan Design and its founder Jason F. McLennan, is one of the greenest structures in the state. The headquarters, which broke ground in April 2021, was awarded by BuildGreenCT’s former component, CT Green Building Council, for exemplary performance in both energy and health.
“Our new HMTX headquarters is designed to represent the core values on which our company was built and has grown,” said Harlan Stone, CEO of HMTX Industries. “What I refer to as our House Up On The Hill merges nature and sustainability with innovation and collaboration. It provides a unique space for artists, engineers, developers, and architects, as well as creative and disruptive thinkers, to exchange ideas and thoughts in this modern-day salon.”
One of the building’s unique features is its design, which allows it to sit above the ground to preserve as much of the existing landscape as possible. Constructed using only the healthiest non-toxic materials, the building will generate more energy on-site than it uses, produce zero carbon emissions, and capture and reuse rainwater. The ecologically conscious facility also includes spaces for artists-in-residence design studios.
The surrounding landscape, designed by Keith E. Simpson Associates of New Canaan, faced challenging constraints, including retaining large existing trees, featuring extensive rock ledge outcroppings, and managing steeply sloping grades. The landscape incorporates rain gardens for stormwater management, new water features, and additional edible plantings for wildlife habitat and gathering spaces for people in both large and small groups.
In speaking with the New Canaan Sentinel, Simpson explained “The site was as rugged as they come, before construction started, so maintaining its character and natural functionality while accommodating the new building, gave us challenges at every turn. Safeguarding the very large trees so close to the building itself was always a top priority.”
As the landscape matures, newly planted trees are expected to provide a shade canopy to replace pre-existing trees that eventually die off. Shrubs and perennial plantings, selected for their diversity, are strategically located to evolve with the landscape and ever-changing microclimate. These native plantings will grow and self-seed over time, acclimating to different areas of the site and benefiting nearby properties.
Simpson added: “After observing building going up, step-by-step, week-after-week, working on the three, very different water features, and with the two acclaimed sculptors was the most exciting time for the project. The innovative, solar driven sculpture by Steven Lowry in the roof garden is remarkable, as are the two continuously interacting wind driven sculptures within the center courtyard by Tim Prentice.”
“Working with Harlan on this Living Building Challenge project has been an incredible experience,” said Jason F. McLennan, Managing Principal of McLennan Design. “This facility is groundbreaking, not only for its design but for the pioneering product development work taking place inside.”
The new HMTX World Headquarters is the first project in Norwalk to pursue the Living Building Challenge, the world’s most stringent green building rating system. This system promotes regenerative design, creating spaces that give more than they take. As a living building, the HMTX facility is intended to be largely self-sufficient while positively impacting the people and natural systems that surround it.
“From concept to groundbreaking and now to see it become a reality, this project has been very special to me,” added Stone. “Norwalk has been home to HMTX for more than 20 years, and I see this new building, as I hope others do, as a proud addition to the community.”
HMTX Industries World Headquarters Highlights
General Details:
Location: Norwalk, Connecticut
Size: Four-story building, approximately 24,000 sq ft
Architect: McLennan Design
Landscape Architect: Keith E. Simpson Associates
Sustainability:
Greenest Building in Connecticut: The HMTX headquarters is on track to become the greenest building in the state.
Living Building Challenge: It is the first project in Connecticut to pursue the Living Building Challenge Petal Certification, the world’s most stringent green building rating system.
Energy Positive: The building will produce more renewable energy on-site than it uses annually.
Zero Carbon Emissions: It is an all-electric building designed to operate with zero carbon emissions.
Energy & Carbon:
Solar Power: Over 100% of the building’s power demand is met by on-site PV panels, generating an estimated 144,000 kWh/yr in solar power.
Energy Efficiency: Predicted energy use intensity (EUI) of 18, a 60% reduction from baseline office buildings.
Passive Cooling: Utilizes operable windows and skylights for natural cooling.
Water Management:
Rainwater Reuse: Features a rainwater capture and reuse system with a 5,000-gallon storage tank.
Low-Flow Fixtures: Utilized throughout the building.
Rain Gardens: Three separate rain gardens treat stormwater naturally, providing on-site retention and infiltration.
Health & Happiness:
Natural Daylighting: Every space benefits from natural daylighting.
Healthy Indoor Air: Uses Red List Free materials and adheres to the highest ventilation standards.
Biophilic Design: Incorporates elements such as a 1,700 sq ft green roof, interior green wall, and natural finish materials.
Beauty:
Artwork: Features artwork by local and worldwide artists, including a 240 sq ft mural.
Educational Programs: Includes building tours, educational events, and signage about regenerative design.
As HMTX Industries continues to pioneer sustainability, the new headquarters stands as a testament to what can be achieved when innovation meets ecological responsibility. Simpson concluded: “It is most gratifying to know that it is Harlan Stone’s vision that this work be shared with so many visitors to the property.”
