Carter Subaru Expansion and Addition – Mass Timber & Living Building Sustainability Challenge

The Carter Subaru Expansion and Addition project will greatly increase service capacity and operating efficiency while adhering to the car manufacturer’s design specifications and brand identity. For improved service times, we are increasing the number of service bays from 29 to 55 and switching from individual garage doors to a shared drive aisle. Two levels of rooftop parking will more than double the available parking capacity, thereby maximizing the use of the available space.

Environmental sustainability is the overarching design tenant that guides this design, first by using cutting-edge stormwater management solutions, which include bioretention areas and R-tanks with sand filters to ensure that all runoff is Salmon Safe. The second aspect of sustainability is the use of Mass Timber Construction in the main load bear structural components, such as glue-laminated beams along with CLT and GLT plank systems for floor diaphragms. Other aspects of sustainability utilized in this design are the use of low water volume fixtures and an on-site car wash system to minimize water usage and increase natural resource conservation.

During construction, we will implement a low waste and recycling management system to reduce waste. The facility will include 25,000 square feet of solar panels along with multiple EV charging stations, aiming for Zero Energy Certification under the International Living Future Institute’s Living Building Challenge. This will be achieved through sustainable building systems, an all-electric design, and energy-efficient practices.

The frontage design enhances the street elevation with free-standing display windows for vehicles, meeting city zoning regulations. The site also allows for on-site vehicle delivery using large transport trucks, improving logistics and moving delivery from the busy highway, which will increase safety in this major corridor.