BROOKLYN, N.Y.—1 Hotels, the mission-driven luxury lifestyle hotel brand, announced last month that the newest addition to its portfolio, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, will make its debut in February 2017. Green Lodging News ran the press release on the 10-story sustainable ground-up development that will feature 194 guestrooms. As a follow-up to the press release, Green Lodging News sent a list of questions to Waad El Hadidy, Designer at Starwood Hotels Worldwide, to learn more about the project. The following are the questions and answers:
1. What about the building’s structure itself will ensure a high degree of energy efficiency? (Walls, windows, etc.)
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge will bring to life the brand’s philosophy of honoring and protecting nature in an unmatched Brooklyn setting. The “industrial” design of the hotel makes extensive use of regional and reclaimed materials, including original heart pine beams from the former Domino Sugar Factory, walnut from the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens and pine flooring from the Old Crow Distillery in Kentucky.
The property is being built under LEED guidelines, and will boast a LEED Dynamic Plaque which will measure and display the building’s eco-conscious practices in real time. Spaces are structured with seamless transitions from indoor to outdoors, with glass panes throughout the property letting in an abundance of natural light.
Glazing has extra insulation and UV protection. Sun shades reduce heat from sun exposure on the west and south sides of the building (they also prevent birds from flying into the glass on their migratory path). Roof plantings reduce the heat island effect.
2. During construction, was a high percentage of leftover materials recycled?
We have achieved an 87.8 percent diversion rate (meaning 87.8 percent of leftover materials are not going to waste) and our target was 75 percent.
3. What other elements of the hotel will add to its energy efficiency—in the areas of lighting, heating & cooling, kitchen & laundry, etc.? To what degree will natural day lighting be maximized?
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge will operate its own rainwater reclamation system and feature low-energy lightbulbs, a triple filtered water purification system, in-room recycling bins and fresh, locally sourced dining offerings. All rooms are outfitted with natural mahogany trees and floor-to-ceiling sliding windows. Natural day light is maximized throughout the property with an abundance of glass window panes and floor-to-ceiling windows in each room, providing fresh air and natural sunlight.
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge will feature state-of-the-art, energy efficient heating and cooling systems. An in room control system maximizes efficiency of guestroom HVAC and lighting systems (door sensors coupled with motion sensors detect when room is vacant and shuts off lighting and heating).
4. Describe some examples of how local businesses will benefit—whether in the area of furniture, food items, artwork, etc.
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge prides itself on involving the local community across all aspects, from the furniture within all accommodations to serving fresh, locally sourced ingredients to its guests. The list of Brooklyn-based artists and artisans working with 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is extensive, and stands as testament to the value of community involvement. Uhuru, for example, has constructed a lot of the furniture in the property’s public spaces, having reconstructed pieces from wood reclaimed from the Domino Sugar Factory (which was torn down in Williamsburg a few years ago). The hotel has enlisted Seamus Mullen, award-winning chef, restaurateur and author, and local Dumbo resident, to conceptualize the property’s signature restaurant. He is known for creating food that is honest, healthy and natural. Mullen will introduce a clean culinary experience rooted in locally sourced, wholesome ingredients that give back to the community.
5. In what ways will water conservation be practiced in the hotel?
Water conservation will be practiced at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge through its own water-reclamation system (donated to parks department for irrigation of Brooklyn Bridge park) and triple-filtration purification systems. Low-flow plumbing fixtures will conserve water—dual flush toilets and waterless urinals in public bathrooms are examples. Five-minute shower timers will promote water conservation. Twenty-five gallons of water are used for every minute in the shower.
6. How will the rainwater capture system work? What will that rainwater be used for? How large will the cistern (or other tanks) be?
Cisterns pump to the park. And there are a few storage tanks underground that retain storm water captured through various pipes that run through the building.
7. Explain how the water purification system will work and why it is needed.
Triple water purification systems are of the highest grade throughout the hotel. This limits the use of water bottles and significantly decreases stress on the water treatment facilities. We use a force field point of entry water purification system. No chemicals, almost no power and 99 percent less water than RO (reverse osmosis) systems. Particulates are to the lowest level known. A total of 99.9 percent of viruses and bacteria are removed. It results in bottle water quality in taste, odor and levels.
8. To what degree was indoor air quality considered in the choice of systems and materials?
We have the highest levels of air filtration and indoor air quality has been monitored since the early stages of the project.
9. What will be recycled? Will food waste also be recycled?
There will be a waste management program in guestrooms, public areas and back of house. There is a food digester that is part of an environmentally friendly food waste program.
10. Will plants native to the area be used? I would love to learn more about the green wall in the lobby.
Yes, plants native to the area will be used. Local Brooklyn artisans including Uhuru, Bien Hecho, and Danielle Trofe will incorporate native greenery and reclaimed materials for dynamic art sculptures. There will be a massive living green wall in the lobby. Harrison Green and Agro Sci will provide the green wall. The green wall helps with air quality. It will evolve visually over time true to its concept as a living green wall. Creeping fig will climb the concrete wall from behind. In front is a layer of metal mesh panels that hold other types of plants like different types of ferns and jade pathos. As the creeping fig grows in height the whole composition of the green wall will change.
Go to 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge.
Glenn Hasek can be reached at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
