New Dentists Office Features Green Technology

Drs. Singleton, Dickey and Lynch at the dedication.

A trio of Roanoke dentists today hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to show off the first dentist office in the world built with Passivhaus, a low-energy building technology that typically reduces energy use by 70 percent.

The new building for Drs. Randolph Dickey, John Singleton and Sean Lynch, at 1510 Franklin Ave., boasts such energy-saving features as a passive geo thermal ground loop, 92 percent efficient heating and cooling energy recovery systems that deliver complete fresh air to the interior, and an airtight building envelop insulation system that significantly reduces the need for oversized mechanical equipment.

It was designed and built by Structures Design Build of Roanoke. Co-founder Adam Cohen is a Certified Passivhaus Designer.

Passivhaus, the German term for a trend in construction that raises the bar in energy efficiency standards, typically uses up to 90 percent less energy for heating and cooling than conventional buildings. Passivhaus buildings also have a footprint that reduces carbon dioxide emissions by more than 70 percent over other new buildings.

The new dentist office has architectural design features such as large overhangs and external arches similar to that of a railway passenger terminal. Its new construction also adheres to the strict architectural standards of the Old Southwest neighborhood. Triple pane energy efficient widows that are airtight. A fresh air ventilation system that brings in 100 percent fresh air without recirculation of any interior air resulting in healthier interior air.