Environmental Design & Construction Magazine Gives a Nod to Express Scripts

The Christner-designed Express Scripts Headquarters has earned an Honorable Mention in the 2008 Excellence in Design Awards in the Commercial Category. The project was acknowledged from a nation-wide pool of entrants that demonstrated, “a clear commitment to green building and sustainable design.” Sustainable principles were incorporated in all aspects of the 320,000 sf headquarters, including in flooring selection, office configuration, and landscape design.

Express Scripts Headquarters Achieves LEED Certification

The new Express Scripts Headquarters has achieved LEED Certification, representing Christner’s fourth LEED certified project. To achieve LEED Certification, the design team utilized a number of options for the 320,000 sf headquarters, including:

• Sustainable materials including linoleum, bamboo and cork
• 10′ high ceilings and internal office configuration to maximize daylight penetration
• Office and conference room lighting operated on motion sensors
• The site is used to its fullest potential, including landscaping the retention pond to create a focal point for the employee cafeteria

Read the St. Louis Business Journal article here.

Regional Excellence Awards Honor Innovation and Teamwork

Two of Christner’s projects have received 2008 Regional Excellence Awards from St. Louis Construction News and Real Estate magazine.  Honored for its Innovative Construction Process, the Surgery and NICU expansion at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center is Missouri’s first LEAN Healthcare Project.   The new Express Scripts Headquarters was given top marks in the Office Building category. 

Design Review - 5/9/08 - Lincoln University Institute for Integrated Micro-Community

Mike Moser and Laurel Harrington led a discussion about their ongoing Master Plan for the Institute for Integrated Micro-Community for the 21st Century at Lincoln University.  When completed, the Institute, located on a 280-acre site near Jefferson City, Missouri, will be dedicated to the development of sustainable habits in the lives of visitors and farmers throughout the region.  These principles will be conveyed through demonstration farming and research in aquaculture, agriculture and sustainable energy.  Small groups of visitors will live and work on the farm and gain first-hand experience in gardening and farming techniques that lead to greater sustainability and self-sufficiency.  Portions of the farm will be dedicated to cattle grazing, fish farming, biomass production, community gardens and an orchard. 

Regular Friday afternoon design reviews  – with beer, soda and pretzels – generate lively discussions in our office. Team members present their progress and engage in active dialog about their ongoing work for clients.  We also invite expert speakers to share their knowledge, and take periodic field trips to visit buildings of interest around St. Louis.

Non-Profit Group to Build New Health Clinic for Children in Haiti

Several of Christner’s planners and designers have been working on a pro-bono basis with a non-profit group dedicated to improving the lives of impoverished Haitian children.  Todd Jacobs, Bob Ducker, Chris Striegel, Mariabelen Andrews, Bryan Sechrist and Mike Corner have teamed with representatives from Hope Lutheran Church and the House of Hope in Haiti to design a health clinic to expand the services offered to children.  

Plans call for a clinic exam rooms, a food distribution center, sleeping quarters for doctors and staff members, and plenty of room for growth.  To protect financial and environmental resources, the facility is designed with sustainability in mind which also allows for the clinic to be largely self-sufficient.  Features include extensive natural ventilation, a photovoltaic array and a water cistern.  A generator will provide a reliable source of electricity, normally available for only two hours per day.