The Epstein-designed Astoria Premium Offices is certified LEED-NC Platinum, the highest level of certification, by the US Green Building Council. This 75M EUR ($80.2M), nearly 18,000 square meter (193,000 square feet) office and retail building features a sustainable, flexible and efficient office concept.
The Astoria utilizes an LED lighting system as well as building systems that help reduce water and electricity use throughout the building. It has an innovative system of Concrete Core Tempering (CCT) which contributes to electrical energy savings of around 30 per cent, lowering the operating costs for tenants. (CCT utilizes the thermal storage potential of concrete to absorb/release energy, hence stabilizing the room temperature. Pipes set within the slab will control the temperature of the concrete)
Astoria also allows its tenants optimal access to sunlight and comfort through the use of tilt windows, automatic internal and external blinds, modern DALI lighting control system and a glass façade with excellent thermal performance. Together with the highest quality materials, these amenities ensure the building reaches the highest standards of energy efficiency.
Another aspect the USGBC noted for Astoria's excellence in sustainability was its spatial planning, especially the top floors of the building which feature spacious green terraces. Moreover, Astoria encourages ecological solutions by offering a number of amenities for cyclists, such as bike racks and washrooms. And the best pro-ecological practices, such as the recovery and recycling of 75% of construction waste, were in place during the construction process.
The German developers of the Astoria, Strabag Real Estate GmbH, have called the Astoria a unique building in central Warsaw with special flair and the Epstein design as eye-catching. Constructed of glass, metal and stone, and located within sight of Warsaw's historic Palace of Culture, the Astoria, according to Strabag, fits harmoniously and seamlessly into the environment.
