Invista's Antron Showroom Gets LEED Gold Status

Chicago, IL, Feb. 6, 2009--Invista has achieved LEED Gold certification for Commercial Interiors for the Antron brand Studio showroom in Chicago’s Merchandise Mart.

The showroom, created by Design Collaboratives, Inc. of Chicago, features minimal internal structure and utilizes many of the original 1983 finishes and furniture. This minimizes waste and the need for new materials by creating a multi-use, transformable space similar to a theater stage that can easily change its personality and functionality depending on the event.

Invista directed the design team to reuse as many of the existing finishes as possible.  Some of the finishes original to the showroom include:
• Multiple floor-to-ceiling glass space dividers
• Six hundred feet of millwork surfacing
• Furniture, including classic chairs and tables

The design also addresses future needs and reduces future waste through the use of technology to minimize materials needed for new graphic updates.

Controls for the HVAC and lighting will reduce overall energy use in the showroom optimizing energy performance.  Other elements that contributed to Gold certification are:
• LED accent lighting
• Zero-VOC paints and adhesives
• 100% recycled no-formaldehyde substrates
• Energy Star appliances
• Renewable energy credits for showroom power needs
• Environmentally Preferable Product certification of Antron® carpet fiber

According to Antron brand manager Melissa Noebes, “There is no better place to teach designers about sustainability than in a showroom that features 20-plus year old materials to create a fresh, new and functional space."