Dermatology, Ltd. of Naperville is a 7,000 square foot medical clinic situated on a 3 1/2 acre site in northwest Naperville at the intersection of Bond Street and MacDowell Road. The owners, having visited several existing properties for lease, decided to build their own facility in order to control both the aesthetics and the mechanical systems functioning of the building. The doctors take pride in their state-of-the-art practice and this is reflected in the state-of-the-art sustainable design of the project. The design philosophy was to provide a spa-like, yet high-tech, building that would make a minimal impact on the environment and provide the ultimate in comfort and well-being for both patients and emloyees.

Site Design
A large pond anchors the south end of the site. In order to provide a natural looking landscape, as opposed to a manicured golf course look, the xerographic landscaping consists of native species of trees and prairie grass. These plants are naturally drought resistant and require no irrigation or chemical treatment and are vitually maintenance free. A variety of flowers will bloom over the growing season providing an ever changing canvas of color. In winter, the plants will retain their structure through dormancy. In addition to being a pleasing aesthetic, the landscape will foster biodiversity by providing a home for native species of butterflies, rabbits and other fauna while discouraging the settlement of geese. A retention pond was created to contain storm water runoff from the building parking areas. It is also landscaped with native prairie flowers which, in this case, are specially selected to filter out heavy metals, oils and other pollutants before sending the water into the hydrological system of the DuPage River.

Building Systems
A concrete, raised panel access floor creates an underfloor plenum for running electric, telephone, data and plumbing systems. These systems are easily accessible for future reconfiguration of spaces. The heating, ventilation and air conditioning consists of hydronic, hot water, baseboard heat at the perimeter and conditioned air supplied through the underfloor plenum. The perimeter heat and the underfloor conditioned air are tied together to a thermostat located in each room of the building, providing the ultimate in individual temperature control. Because conditioned air supplied from below is more gentle than air supplied from above, comfort levels can be achieved with more energy efficient temperature settings. The building has a base point temperature of 74 degrees Fahrenheit with a thermostat-controlled 5 degree swing either side of 74. The efficiency of the system is such that the roof top air handling unit is significantly smaller than what is usually found in conventional buildings of the same size, despite the extensive use of glass for the building enclosure. Annual energy costs will consequently be lower than average. General lighting is provided by suspended, indirect, fluorescent light fixtures. This lighting system provides excellent color rendition and distribution of light in the space. And, the light source itself is masked, avoiding the glare of overhead direct lighting. The light fixtures themselves are well designed objects interesting to look at.

Building Materials
The criteria for building material selections included materials that have recycled content, can be easily recycled or are rapidly renewable; and that contain minimal volatile organic compounds (VOC) to avoid the off gassing that can lead to Sick Building Syndrome. Upon completion, the building completely lacked the typical new building smell, typically caused by the use of toxic materials. In terms of aesthetics, materials were chosen that are warm and relaxing.

In the Waiting Area and in the corridor leading to the outside wood deck is bamboo flooring with a light natural color. Bamboo is a rapidly renewable material, meaning that the growth and harvest cycle of bamboo is much shorter than that of conventional hardwoods used for flooring. In the office areas, the flooring is carpet tile made from recycled fibers. The carpet tiles are only lightly glued down to provide easy access to the floor plenum below. In the Exam Rooms and corridors is a recycled, rubber-backed, resilient flooring laid without adhesive. The vinyl tiles have a unique interlocking edge that allows them to be easily removed for under floor access. Both the carpet and the vinyl tile flooring can be returned to the manufacturer in the future for recycling.

Wall surfaces requiring heavy maintenance are covered in a recycled vinyl wall covering. Other walls are painted with non-toxic, low VOC paint.

The cabinetry in the Exam Rooms and throughout the building is free of materials containing formaldehyde and ureic acid, elements commonly found in millwork. In the Waiting Room the wall at the receptionist contains an intricate wood shelving system to hold, in an organized and presentable fashion, magazines, brochures outlining the practice's procedures and announcements.

Screening the Waiting Room from the procedure areas is a floating wall of translucent, red cellular acrylic which is lighted to glow at night and be visible to the outside world.

Welfare of the Inhabitants
The creation of a pleasant and state-of-the-art aesthetic environment with so many amenities will enhance the welfare of its inhabitants. Patients and employees will be relaxed, comfortable and visually stimulated while employees will additionally be healthier and more productive because of their work environment. The building and its site is a symbol of the forward thinking of its owner's practice.

1520 Bond Street
Naperville, IL 60563
630-357-7536