One of the most ambitious high-performance projects in Pittsburgh centers around a 3,731 square-foot space in downtown Sewickley. In 2019 the progressive owner of the Sewickley Tavern engaged the firm to renovate an existing building with an emphasis on sustainability and well-being.
Creating a healthy environment called for a program focused on air quality, acoustics, and select microbe-resistant materials - important features for restaurants that are often overlooked. The result is not only one of the healthiest, most comfortable and sustainable restaurants in the United States but one that sets a new international standard. Last year Sewickley Tavern earned the distinction of being the first RESET-certified restaurant in the world.

Another critical objective of Sewickley Tavern was sustainability. To that end, the design called for energy reduction via the use of a photovoltaic array, which includes a net metering system that reroutes surplus energy back to the grid. Because the array is monitored in real-time, energy consumption is minimized, allowing for efficiency while meeting the demands of sustainability. In addition, utilities - including gas, electricity, and water - are monitored on a monthly basis, and the metrics derived from this data allow the tavern to reach and maintain energy goals. Finally, materials and systems were selected for maximum environmental impact while working within the project budget and design aesthetic.

Housed in a traditional brick building on the main street of a quaint river town, Sewickley Tavern honors its heritage while looking forward to a new era. To achieve this, we conceived a historic tavern with a modern twist: capturing the warmth of a traditional establishment within a high-performing building that would appeal to contemporary tastes. The interior was inspired by the idea of a quintessential colonial American tavern, a welcoming haven for both travelers and locals. Familiar, authentic materials such as red brick and dark wood casework and paneling frame a space topped by a micro-perforated tin ceiling. The newly landscaped patio has a modern style that incorporates traditional materials: a natural stone fireplace and teak furniture complement the steel and cedar framing of the outdoor bar.