Project Profile: The Burnside Rocket

Posted: by

A red building facade with six windows is adorned with various rectangular artworks hung above and between the windows. The art includes abstract designs, a crow with a red ball, and a painting of two people embracing. A metal railing runs along the lower part of the image.

Tacking onto Elza’s post on Silver Spring’s future form, I came across this building a few weeks ago and couldn’t help but think of Fenton Village. It’s cheerful, gritty, and almost certainly would feel at home in a neighborhood that already boasts an array of colors, from the similarly red Pyramid Atlantic to the tastefully pink Jackie’s Restaurant.

And while the Burnside Rocket may seem to offer little in the way of architectural distinction other than a few eccentric shutters painted by local artists (which I think are quite neat), between its crimson painted walls is a powerhouse at work. The LEED-Platinum certified structure is built both to last, approximately 300 years according to the project’s website, and operate efficiently. Hollow-core concrete slabs distribute conditioned air in lieu of metal ductwork. The raw, industrial aesthetic reduces the need for finishing materials and interior partitions. And a ground source heat pump provides efficient indoor air conditioning while desuperheaters recover “waste heat” for domestic water heating. It is also the first building outside Portland’s downtown to not provide parking.

A vibrant red, three-story building with large windows and various colorful banners hanging from the facade. People are visible on the balconies and near the entrance. The sky is clear blue, and shadows indicate it is sunny. Urban surroundings with a few trees.

Even more interesting, the roof features an edible garden that is harvested by the restaurant tenant on the top floor. No, the garden is not as photogenic as say, Chicago’s City Hall. In fact it only about half of the green roof is built into the building. But the Burnisde Rocket maximizes its roof space by providing harvestable roof space in the form of “kiddie” pools planted with vegetables, and a planter-lined parapets.

The Burnside Rocket is also an excellent case study on the economic benefits of “going green.” Because of the massive energy savings, estimated at about a 50% reduction from traditional construction, the property owner can offer tenants a full-service lease. Unlike conventional triple-net leases (NNN) where lessee’s pay for all taxes, maintenance, and insurance associated with their tenancy, the property manager assumes these costs and leaves tenants only to account for rent. The result? Property owners can charge more for rent while offering savings when compared with a triple-net lease, and achieve higher profit margins from the reduced operating costs.

A diagram labeled "HOW IT WORKS", illustrating a kiddie wading pool used as a planter. It shows soil with salad greens planted on top, a 2-inch layer of vermiculite underneath, 1-inch diameter holes around the circumference, and excess water draining out.A rooftop garden with plants under a wire trellis is being watered. Sunlight illuminates the water spray and greenery. City buildings and hills are visible in the background.A woman in a light dress waters plants on a balcony with large windows, while a person pushes a cart inside a modern, open space with industrial decor. Empty blue chairs line the wall to the left, and there is a cushioned seating area in the background.

A person works on a rooftop garden with several large blue circular planters filled with soil. The sky is partly cloudy, and various gardening tools and materials are scattered around.A modern, well-lit café with upholstered booths on the left and high stools at a wooden counter on the right. A person is seen behind the counter, and large windows allow natural light to flood the space. The ceiling is decorated with various circular shapes.A lively rooftop bar at dusk with people sitting at tables and chatting. Two individuals stand conversing in the foreground. The city skyline is visible in the background with twinkling lights against the evening sky.

Additional Information:
The Greenroof
Green Renter