Orlando, Florida, USA
Chicago-based architecture and urban design studio Ross Barney Architects is responsible for creatingthe first Net Zero Energy McDonald’s Flagship Store in Orlando that aims to become the first Net Zero Energy quick-service restaurant representing McDonald’s commitment to building a better future through “Scale for Good”.
The project has been awarded a 2021 American Architecture Award as well as a 2020 International Architecture Award from The Chicago Athenaeum and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.
Incorporating visible and impactful symbols of change, the restaurant arranges architecture and technology to firmly place itself in the future.
Under a canopy clad in solar panels, the restaurant is a sustainable and healthy response to the Florida climate.
Energy consumption is reduced by optimizing building and kitchen systems. On-site generation strategies: 18,727 square feet of photovoltaic panels, 4,809 square feet of glazing integrated photovoltaic panels, and 25 off-the-grid parking lot lights produce more energy than the restaurant uses.
Taking advantage of the humid subtropical climate, the building is naturally ventilated for about 65% of the time.
Jalousie windows operated by outdoor humidity and temperature sensors close automatically when air-conditioning is required.
An outdoor “porch” features wood louvered walls and fans to create an extension of the indoor dining room.
Additional sustainable strategies include paving materials that reduce the urban heat island effect, previous surfaces that redirect rainwater, 1,766 square feet of living green wall that increases biodiversity, new LED lighting, and low flow plumbing fixtures.
A robust education strategy was the goal of the project.
The architecture itself becomes a narrative tool in addition to interior graphics, interactive video content, and gaming unique to this location.
The restaurant teaches visitors of all ages to be more dedicated environmental stewards.
Project: McDonald’s Global Flagship at Walt Disney World Resort
Architects: Ross Barney Architects
Lead Architects: Carol Ross Barney, Ryan Giblin, and Misa Inoue
Design Team: Mordecai Scheckter, Yifan Liang, Ryan Gann, Itzi Velazquez, Jason Vogel and Shinya Uehara
Architects of Record: CPH
Client: McDonald’s Corporation: Christopher John Kempczinski, Max Carmona, Michael Ceferin, Jennifer MacLeod, and Jack Wegler
General Contractor: Southland Construction
Photographers: Kate Joyce Studios
