Photography: Lee Brauer

DOVETAIL // WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22

Dovetail Construction Company, Inc. has been in business in Central Virginia for 22 years.  We specialize in commercial and residential renovation.  Our mission is to be a catalyst and a segue (a yellow brick road) in making Richmond an “emerald city”.  When we saw this former electric railway car barn originally built in 1907 in the heart of the City, we decided to begin a journey to have it be the first building in the country that was on the National Register of Historic Places, LEED Platinum and  net zero energy as a commercial office.  It was also a priority to make it both inspirational and fun.  Sustainable building processes, materials, and finishes were used throughout the building including: 

•  Site work design is such that rainwater stays on site. Native species are being planted that will not need additional irrigation once they are established.

•  The vast majority of interior and exterior trim and framing lumber is FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified.

•  The floors on the first level are polished concrete. There are cork and Marmoleum floors on the second level.

•  Counters are made from fine flake aluminum scrap, reclaimed pine flooring, and stainless steel with significant recycled content.

•  Paints are non-toxic with no VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds).  

•  Tile is manufactured incorporating recycled glass components.

•  In addition to a waterless urinal, all of the plumbing fixtures are “ultra low-flow” making it possible to achieve every LEED water conservation point.

•  Accent shelving, the bathroom vanity, and the conference table are constructed from salvaged timber that was originally on the site.

•  Every potential load was scrutinized including the lighting systems.  With the exception of (3) T-5 fluorescents, every interior light in the building is an LED (Light Emitting Diode).  A variety of fixtures were customized to mitigate both energy and expense including a stage light chandelier with twelve lights that use less energy than it would take to power two 75-watt conventional bulbs.

•  Motion and day-light sensors have been incorporated to ensure efficiency.

We took what was arguably one of the least efficient buildings in Virginia and made it into one of the most efficient --- all in an enterprise zone that really needed some tender loving alternative energy.  Our hope in providing a progressive path is that it becomes even more of a two-way street.  Continued revitalization of our community is paramount because “there is no place like home”… 

 

Dovetail Construction Company, Inc.   1620 Brook Road, Richmond, VA 23220

 5:30-7:30, guest speaker at 6:15 with short Q&A following. Guests are welcome to self tour the site before & after the speaker. 

*Modern Richmond events are free to the public, but donations are welcome. There will be a cash bar for this event.