Schluter-Systems: Reno Office & Distribution Center

The Project:

Reno Office & Distribution Center

Certifications:

LEED Gold

Architect:

Cathexes
Architecture

Date & location:

2018 McCarran, NV

Objective

To accommodate the growing needs of our western customers, we constructed a state-of-the-art, 172,500 sq. ft. facility in McCarran, Nevada, just east of Reno. The facility includes a two-story, 22,500 sq. ft. office space and training center, along with a 150,000 sq. ft. warehouse and distribution center. Our goal was to integrate sustainable building technologies that maximize energy efficiency and minimize environmental impact while providing a comfortable and ergonomic workspace.

To achieve this, we collaborated with a multidisciplinary team of architects, engineers, and consultants specializing in green building technologies, ensuring that the facility would serve as a benchmark for sustainable corporate construction.

Challenge

Conscious of our environmental footprint, we implemented measures to significantly reduce energy and water consumption. We also prioritized employee well-being by designing a workspace where every workstation benefits from natural light and fresh air circulation.

Throughout construction, we employed controlled-site practices to maintain sustainability, including tire washing stations to prevent debris spread, on-site water filtration and reuse, and extensive recycling of construction materials. Additionally, we ensured that all materials—sealants, tiles, and finishes—were free from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and inspected for off-gassing prior to use.

Solution

Sustainable Heating & Cooling

Geothermal System: The building is heated and cooled entirely by a geothermal system consisting of 36 underground wells. This system transfers energy between the earth and the facility via hydronic heating and cooling, dramatically reducing energy demand.

Earth Heat Exchanger: A 200-ft long, 3-ft diameter "Canadian tunnel" preconditions fresh air before it enters the facility, reducing the workload on HVAC systems.

Schluter®-BEKOTEC Modular Screed System: Provides highly efficient in-floor radiant heating. The system reacts four times faster than traditional systems, operating at lower temperatures for reduced energy consumption.

Energy Efficiency & Cost Savings

Traditional office buildings in the region typically incur energy costs of $1.35–$1.55 per sq. ft. Our facility operates at approximately $0.44 per sq. ft., a 70–75% savings.

Energy Usage (6-month period):

Electricity: 220,048 kWh

Gas: 201 Therms

Water: 247,302 gallons

Natural Lighting & Air Quality

High-performance skylights maximize natural daylight in warehouses and work areas.

Automated lighting activates only as needed, reducing energy waste.

Living wall with 200+ plants enhances indoor air quality by absorbing CO2, adding oxygen, and filtering VOCs.

CO2-controlled ventilation system maintains a comfortable indoor air quality at 650 ppm (well below regulatory limits).

Water & Resource Management

Solar water heating panels provide hot water for the facility.

Rainwater and construction water reuse reduced initial water demand and long-term consumption.

White reflective roof mitigates heat absorption, reducing cooling demands.

Result

The Reno Office & Distribution Center exemplifies Schluter’s commitment to sustainable building practices. By integrating geothermal energy, solar heating, advanced ventilation, and extensive tile applications, we have created a highly efficient, environmentally responsible facility that benefits both the company and the community.