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Case study

CREATING THE NATION’S FIRST LEED PLATINUM WAREHOUSE AND DISTRIBUTION CENTER

Ecofibre U.S. Headquarters

Ecofibre – a global leader in innovative hemp technologies – recognized an opportunity to expand its embryonic U.S. operations upon the passage of legislation by Congress that loosened restrictions on hemp production. To meet the growing demand for the sustainable and medicinal properties the crop affords a new, sustainable, multi-purpose facility was essential.

JRA proudly accepted the challenge of bringing the company’s ambitious vision to life and of helping advance one of Kentucky’s burgeoning economic industries. And we did so with sustainability squarely in sight.

“JRA didn’t just build a beautiful office space and manufacturing facility, they delivered the best marketing tool one could imagine. ”

Eric Wang
CEO, Ecofibre

What we set out to do

With a client motivated by schedule, we delivered a 50,000 square foot, multi-use building in 16 months, about half the scope’s normal timeframe.

To uphold Ecofibre’s fundamental commitment to producing sustainable products, our building met the rigid standards to achieve LEED Platinum Certification, the first for any hemp processing facilities.

Attracting and retaining employees is critical to the success of any business, so we built a workplace that will instill employee pride and serve as a strong appeal to recruits.

First and foremost, we were charged with creating a landmark to welcome Ecofibre customers and prospective clients. From the exterior hemp garden, to the product showcase, to the transparent manufacturing clean rooms, to the spacious warehousing, the entire campus was shaped for customer tours.

WHAT RESULTED IS A TRANSFORMATIONAL SPACE FOR ECOFIBRE CUSTOMERS AND EMPLOYEES ALIKE, EMBODYING THEIR FUNDAMENTAL COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABLE PRINCIPLES.

Through FLEXIBLE WORKSPACES

Ecofibre’s significant sales force requires a host of office styles, from large meeting spaces to smaller huddle rooms, to work most effectively.

Through ENGINEERING

Specialized systems were integrated to create negative- and positive-pressure rooms affording both the containment of gasses and dispersal of contaminants as needed.

Through FUNCTIONALITY

Functional design principles helped shape efficient workspaces to maximize employee productivity.

Through SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

Ecofibre’s U.S. headquarters has achieved LEED Platinum Certification with design features including light-channeling Solatubes, geothermal HVAC, rain water collection systems, high-volume low-speed fans, and solar panels.

“The most gratifying element of this project is knowing we created a space – integrating sustainable building principles at every turn – that will truly improve our client’s business.”

Marty Merkel
AIA, LEED AP, Principal, JRA Architects

Take a deeper dive

Ecofibre Headquarters >

Marty Merkel on Ecofibre

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