Tag: Corporate

McGough Construction interior lobby

The Benefits of WELL Certification: A Post-Occupancy Evaluation of McGough Headquarters

 

McGough, a design and craft-oriented construction firm with over 60 years of experience in the Twin Cities and Upper Midwest, recently engaged HGA to help expand operations by transforming a former trucking terminal into a cutting-edge headquarters. 

The 54,277 SF facility, opened in 2019, earned the WELL CertifiedTM – V2 Pilot Program designation in May 2022, a significant achievement as it was just the second building in Minnesota to earn such an award, and the first to earn WELL Platinum Certification and WELL v2 Pilot Platinum Certification.  

WELL certification is a global rating system that recognizes buildings designed and constructed to support the health and well-being of their occupants. In December 2022 HGA conducted and shared a Post-Occupancy Evaluation of the project evaluating the impact of the project through the lens of WELL standards, grounded in research led by our Design Insight Group.

A Focus on Well-Being

Literature that points to the benefits of well-being-centric workplaces are plentiful and growing, as are industry guidelines that can help building owners support occupant wellness. The WELL Building Standard is one prominent example that focuses on improving building elements such as the quality of air, water, nourishment, lights, movement, etc., to positively impact people’s holistic health. 

Studies have shown that adopting the WELL standards in workplaces can result in increased satisfaction with the environment as well as improved perception of health, productivity, and well-being.[1] One study showed that improvements to a building’s indoor environmental quality (e.g., reduced concentration of harmful volatile organic compounds) can improve cognitive scores by 61% when compared to a typical building.[2] Healthy and productive occupants are substantial assets to any organization’s bottom line. 

A focus on employee health and safety was essential to McGough from the early stages of the project. This commitment influenced design decisions from the onset of the design process. When McGough decided to pursue WELL certification, the decision did not add significant construction costs, as it required very few additions or changes. Ultimately, the approximate additional cost McGough accrued due to pursuing WELL certification was about 1% of the estimated construction budget. This included a discounted certification rate as well as one year of operational costs associated with WELL.  

McGough’s experience pursuing WELL certification is relatively unique as no major construction costs were necessary and McGough had a qualified WELL administrator on staff who oversaw the certification process. Despite these advantages, the lessons learned from this project are arguably replicable.

As seen in the HGA-led Post-Occupancy Evaluation and compared with pre-occupancy surveys and research, thoughtful wellness-centric design strategies led to high satisfaction rates in multiple WELL concepts. Below we share insights and design strategies focused on the project’s most relevant wellness components, including access to views, acoustic comfort, access to daylight, and overall well-being.

90%

of respondents agree that McGough supports their overall well-being.

82%

were satisfied with the amount of natural light at their workspace. 

66%

indicated their workspaces are near a window (within 15 feet).

53%

of respondents were satisfied with noise level in their primary workplace.

Key Insight: Well-Being

Data from the pre-occupancy survey showed a clear priority on well-being, as approximately 67% of respondents focused on various aspects of well-being, encompassing physical, emotional, cognitive, and more. For instance, one participant expressed their desire for amenities such as a gym with a locker room, a cafeteria, and a pleasant view. Another participant highlighted the importance of abundant natural light, suggesting the inclusion of a break room and a game room would be “awesome”.

During the post-occupancy evaluation, 90% of respondents agreed that the new headquarters supports their overall well-being.

Design Strategies
  • Fitness center with views to the outdoors supports physical wellness.
  • Phone booths support cognitive wellness.
  • Work café and outdoor patio support physical (nutrition) and social wellness.
  • Interconnecting stairs and group seating provides opportunities for serendipitous socializing.
  • Complementary programs such as massages and free fruit contribute to wellbeing.
  • Bike program, storage, and connection to natural trails.

Key Insight: Daylight

In the pre-occupancy survey, 79% of respondents indicated access to daylight would be a very to extremely important feature in their ideal/future workspace. Approximately 22% of analyzed comments indicated access to natural light would contribute to staff’s happiness.

During the post-occupancy evaluation, 82% of respondents were satisfied with the amount of natural light they receive at their primary workspace.

Design Strategies
  • Large windows allow natural light to flow into the space.
  • Enclosed pods are pulled off the window line to limit obscuring daylight.
  • Thoughtful space layout ensures approximately 73% of workstations are within 25 feet of windows (slightly exceeding the WELL requirement).
  • A 200-foot-long skylight in the warehouse provides ample, controllable daylight to the office space below.
  • Central, open, and daylit stair.

Key Insight: Views

In the pre-occupancy survey, 60% of respondents indicated access to window views would be a very to extremely important feature in their ideal/future workspace.

During the post-occupancy evaluation, 66% of respondents indicated their workspaces are near a window (within 15 feet) and 54% have a view that includes natural, building, and parking elements.

Design Strategies
  • Major circulation corridor ends with views to the Twin Lakes Parkway and its lush vegetation.
  • Employees have access to windows from their personal and shared workspaces.
Key Insight: Acoustics

In the pre-occupancy survey, 68% of respondents indicated acoustic privacy would be a very to extremely important feature in their ideal/future workspace. When discussing ideas for supporting productivity, increasing opportunities for focus, and limiting noise was mentioned in over a third (37%) of analyzed comments.

During the post-occupancy evaluation, 53% of respondents were satisfied with noise level in their primary workspace. Acoustic readings met and, in some cases, exceeded WELL thresholds for acceptable noise levels. Satisfaction may improve over time as employees develop new behaviors such as using focus rooms and headsets.

Design Strategies
  • Floor plan separated into acoustic zones: loud, quiet, and mixed. Loud and mixed zones are either enclosed or on the periphery of quiet zones to limit noise.
  • Sound-absorbent finishes and sound barriers used as appropriate.
  • Phone rooms for heads-down work or phone calls are distributed throughout the office area.

About the Project

A renovation of the existing trucking operation adjacent to McGough’s original headquarters, the project involved demolishing sections of the terminal and refurbishing the central truck garage. The garage now houses a large collaborative office space featuring flexible workstations, huddle areas and glass conference rooms. In the attached office structure are upgraded cafeteria amenities, an employee fitness center and wellness room, connected to the renovated terminal by a modern glass entry lobby with a striking concrete staircase. The company’s meticulous attention to detail and design extends to every aspect of the project, from site orientation to staff involvement. 

From the project’s inception, McGough emphasized environmental sustainability and employee well-being, leading to their pursuit of WELL certification. This certification demonstrates the company’s dedication to creating a healthy work environment while reducing their environmental impact. 

The new headquarters, located in Roseville, MN on the Avenue for Arts and Innovation, offers easy access to a nature preserve and local businesses, and serves as a catalyst for community engagement, connecting people, nature, and the neighborhood. The project showcases the company’s commitment to community development and environmental stewardship. 

References

[1] Ildiri, N., Bazille, H., Lou, Y., Hinkelman, K., Gray, W. A., & Zuo, W. (2022). Impact of WELL certification on occupant satisfaction and perceived health, well-being, and productivity: A multi-office pre- versus post-occupancy evaluation. Building and Environment, 224, 109539. 
[2] Allen, J. G., MacNaughton, P., Satish, U., Santanam, S., Vallarino, J., & Spengler, J. D. (2016). Associations of Cognitive Function Scores with Carbon Dioxide, Ventilation, and Volatile Organic Compound Exposures in Office Workers: A Controlled Exposure Study of Green and Conventional Office Environments. Environmental Health Perspectives, 124(6), 805–812. 

 

 

McGough, a design and craft-oriented construction firm with over 60 years of experience in the Twin Cities and Upper Midwest, recently engaged HGA to help expand operations by transforming a former trucking terminal into a cutting-edge headquarters. 

The 54,277 SF facility, opened in 2019, earned the WELL CertifiedTM – V2 Pilot Program designation in May 2022, a significant achievement as it was just the second building in Minnesota to earn such an award, and the first to earn WELL Platinum Certification and WELL v2 Pilot Platinum Certification.  

WELL certification is a global rating system that recognizes buildings designed and constructed to support the health and well-being of their occupants. In December 2022 HGA conducted and shared a Post-Occupancy Evaluation of the project evaluating the impact of the project through the lens of WELL standards, grounded in research led by our Design Insight Group.

A Focus on Well-Being

Literature that points to the benefits of well-being-centric workplaces are plentiful and growing, as are industry guidelines that can help building owners support occupant wellness. The WELL Building Standard is one prominent example that focuses on improving building elements such as the quality of air, water, nourishment, lights, movement, etc., to positively impact people’s holistic health. 

Studies have shown that adopting the WELL standards in workplaces can result in increased satisfaction with the environment as well as improved perception of health, productivity, and well-being.[1] One study showed that improvements to a building’s indoor environmental quality (e.g., reduced concentration of harmful volatile organic compounds) can improve cognitive scores by 61% when compared to a typical building.[2] Healthy and productive occupants are substantial assets to any organization’s bottom line. 

A focus on employee health and safety was essential to McGough from the early stages of the project. This commitment influenced design decisions from the onset of the design process. When McGough decided to pursue WELL certification, the decision did not add significant construction costs, as it required very few additions or changes. Ultimately, the approximate additional cost McGough accrued due to pursuing WELL certification was about 1% of the estimated construction budget. This included a discounted certification rate as well as one year of operational costs associated with WELL.  

McGough’s experience pursuing WELL certification is relatively unique as no major construction costs were necessary and McGough had a qualified WELL administrator on staff who oversaw the certification process. Despite these advantages, the lessons learned from this project are arguably replicable.

As seen in the HGA-led Post-Occupancy Evaluation and compared with pre-occupancy surveys and research, thoughtful wellness-centric design strategies led to high satisfaction rates in multiple WELL concepts. Below we share insights and design strategies focused on the project’s most relevant wellness components, including access to views, acoustic comfort, access to daylight, and overall well-being.

90%

of respondents agree that McGough supports their overall well-being.

82%

were satisfied with the amount of natural light at their workspace. 

66%

indicated their workspaces are near a window (within 15 feet).

53%

of respondents were satisfied with noise level in their primary workplace.

Key Insight: Well-Being

Data from the pre-occupancy survey showed a clear priority on well-being, as approximately 67% of respondents focused on various aspects of well-being, encompassing physical, emotional, cognitive, and more. For instance, one participant expressed their desire for amenities such as a gym with a locker room, a cafeteria, and a pleasant view. Another participant highlighted the importance of abundant natural light, suggesting the inclusion of a break room and a game room would be “awesome”.

During the post-occupancy evaluation, 90% of respondents agreed that the new headquarters supports their overall well-being.

Design Strategies
  • Fitness center with views to the outdoors supports physical wellness.
  • Phone booths support cognitive wellness.
  • Work café and outdoor patio support physical (nutrition) and social wellness.
  • Interconnecting stairs and group seating provides opportunities for serendipitous socializing.
  • Complementary programs such as massages and free fruit contribute to wellbeing.
  • Bike program, storage, and connection to natural trails.

Key Insight: Daylight

In the pre-occupancy survey, 79% of respondents indicated access to daylight would be a very to extremely important feature in their ideal/future workspace. Approximately 22% of analyzed comments indicated access to natural light would contribute to staff’s happiness.

During the post-occupancy evaluation, 82% of respondents were satisfied with the amount of natural light they receive at their primary workspace.

Design Strategies
  • Large windows allow natural light to flow into the space.
  • Enclosed pods are pulled off the window line to limit obscuring daylight.
  • Thoughtful space layout ensures approximately 73% of workstations are within 25 feet of windows (slightly exceeding the WELL requirement).
  • A 200-foot-long skylight in the warehouse provides ample, controllable daylight to the office space below.
  • Central, open, and daylit stair.

Key Insight: Views

In the pre-occupancy survey, 60% of respondents indicated access to window views would be a very to extremely important feature in their ideal/future workspace.

During the post-occupancy evaluation, 66% of respondents indicated their workspaces are near a window (within 15 feet) and 54% have a view that includes natural, building, and parking elements.

Design Strategies
  • Major circulation corridor ends with views to the Twin Lakes Parkway and its lush vegetation.
  • Employees have access to windows from their personal and shared workspaces.
Key Insight: Acoustics

In the pre-occupancy survey, 68% of respondents indicated acoustic privacy would be a very to extremely important feature in their ideal/future workspace. When discussing ideas for supporting productivity, increasing opportunities for focus, and limiting noise was mentioned in over a third (37%) of analyzed comments.

During the post-occupancy evaluation, 53% of respondents were satisfied with noise level in their primary workspace. Acoustic readings met and, in some cases, exceeded WELL thresholds for acceptable noise levels. Satisfaction may improve over time as employees develop new behaviors such as using focus rooms and headsets.

Design Strategies
  • Floor plan separated into acoustic zones: loud, quiet, and mixed. Loud and mixed zones are either enclosed or on the periphery of quiet zones to limit noise.
  • Sound-absorbent finishes and sound barriers used as appropriate.
  • Phone rooms for heads-down work or phone calls are distributed throughout the office area.

About the Project

A renovation of the existing trucking operation adjacent to McGough’s original headquarters, the project involved demolishing sections of the terminal and refurbishing the central truck garage. The garage now houses a large collaborative office space featuring flexible workstations, huddle areas and glass conference rooms. In the attached office structure are upgraded cafeteria amenities, an employee fitness center and wellness room, connected to the renovated terminal by a modern glass entry lobby with a striking concrete staircase. The company’s meticulous attention to detail and design extends to every aspect of the project, from site orientation to staff involvement. 

From the project’s inception, McGough emphasized environmental sustainability and employee well-being, leading to their pursuit of WELL certification. This certification demonstrates the company’s dedication to creating a healthy work environment while reducing their environmental impact. 

The new headquarters, located in Roseville, MN on the Avenue for Arts and Innovation, offers easy access to a nature preserve and local businesses, and serves as a catalyst for community engagement, connecting people, nature, and the neighborhood. The project showcases the company’s commitment to community development and environmental stewardship. 

References

[1] Ildiri, N., Bazille, H., Lou, Y., Hinkelman, K., Gray, W. A., & Zuo, W. (2022). Impact of WELL certification on occupant satisfaction and perceived health, well-being, and productivity: A multi-office pre- versus post-occupancy evaluation. Building and Environment, 224, 109539. 
[2] Allen, J. G., MacNaughton, P., Satish, U., Santanam, S., Vallarino, J., & Spengler, J. D. (2016). Associations of Cognitive Function Scores with Carbon Dioxide, Ventilation, and Volatile Organic Compound Exposures in Office Workers: A Controlled Exposure Study of Green and Conventional Office Environments. Environmental Health Perspectives, 124(6), 805–812.