PORTLAND, ORE.—With shared vision and focus, The Heathman Hotel and Ankrom Moisan Associated Architects (AMAA) have partnered to deliver a locally responsible, sustainable and efficient remodel of all 155 of the historic hotel’s bathrooms. Beginning this month hotel guests are able to experience the remodeled bathrooms and see that luxury and sustainability can coexist.
In October 2007, AMAA, an integrated architectural and interior design firm based in Portland, Ore., was tasked with implementing a sustainable remodel within a historic and luxury hotel.
“We welcomed the opportunity to work with the Heathman Hotel, a renowned Northwest historic icon,” said Karen Bowery, head of AMAA’s interior design department and principal. “The challenge of the project was to maintain the historical integrity of the hotel, while enhancing the luxury of each room in a sustainable manner.”
The bathroom remodel project was designed with the Heathman Hotel’s commitment to sustainable investments in mind; ensuring energy efficiency, utilizing local resources and reusing existing materials wherever possible, while maintaining the historical high-end atmosphere for which the hotel is known.
Hotel’s Green Track Record
The Heathman Hotel has been recognized for its ongoing sustainability and conservation efforts and was one of the city’s first hotels to complete energy efficiency upgrades and receive financial incentives from Energy Trust for completed initiatives. The Heathman Hotel is also a participant in Pacific Power’s nationally recognized Blue Sky program; 30 percent of all electricity purchased by the Heathman Hotel is from Blue Sky renewable energy.
“We are thrilled to team with AMAA, a company that shares our sustainable values and commitment to community,” said Chris Erickson, the Heathman Hotel’s general manager. “They’ve helped to take our existing sustainability efforts to the next level.”
By leveraging local vendors that practice sustainability and maximizing existing materials, the first phase of the remodel was completed sustainably and cost effectively with minimal waste. Enhancements to the bathroom remodel include:
• Teak trim, mirrors, stone vanities and tubs were preserved with added touch-ups to enhance quality.
• The wood is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified and adheres to all sustainable building practices and the Smartwood Rainforest Alliance.
• Tile, installed on the walls and floor, is 40 percent recycled using the ISO 9000 certification process.
• LED lighting was installed to bring warmth to the space while providing low-energy lighting upon guest arrival. The lighting was custom designed by Eleek Lighting and Design.
• New showerheads will reduce gas usage by 10 to 20 percent.
• New commodes will reduce water consumption by 50 percent.
• Approximately 95 percent, by volume, of construction debris from former bathrooms was donated to Portland’s ReBuilding Center, the largest nonprofit building materials resource in North America.
• Ninety-nine percent, by weight, of materials from former bathrooms were recycled.
The Heathman Hotel remodel minimized its carbon footprint by supporting local artists, businesses and vendors, therefore reducing the shipping of materials and transportation costs.
Go to the Heathman Hotel and AMAA.
