McDonald's clad in Kebony wood aspires to be the first 'net zero' fast food restaurant

Construction of the flagship McDonald's Disney restaurant was recently completed. This, aimed at being the first “net zero emission” establishment in the fast food industry, illustrates the industry leader's commitment to building a better future. Under a shed roof covered with solar panels, the nearly 750 m² restaurant designed by Ross Barney Architects was designed and developed in line with the Florida climate.

According to the architect's website, energy consumption is reduced by optimizing the building and kitchen systems. Energy is produced on site by more than 1.700 m² of solar panels, nearly 450 m² of glazing integrated photovoltaic (BiPV) panels, and 25 off-grid parking lights that produce more energy than the restaurant consumes. .

Since Orlando is subject to high humidity, the building is naturally ventilated for about 65% of the year. The louvered windows, operated by outdoor humidity and temperature sensors, close automatically when air conditioning becomes necessary. A “porch”, with Kebony wood louvered walls, extends the outdoor dining room.

Developed in Norway, the revolutionary Kebony technology is a patented and environmentally friendly process, which modifies softwoods from sustainable sources by heating the wood with furfuryl alcohol; an agricultural by-product. By polymerizing the cell wall of wood, softwoods continuously adopt the attributes of tropical hardwood, including high durability, hardness and dimensional stability. This unique process gives Kebony wood its characteristic appearance, which continues to improve over time.

Other sustainable strategies include paving materials that reduce the urban heat effect, surfaces that redirect rainwater, a 164m² living green wall that increases biodiversity, new LED lighting, and appliances. low flow plumbing.

Ross Barney Architects points out that a "Solid education strategy was one of the goals of the project."

The architecture itself becomes a narrative tool in addition to the interior wall graphics, interactive video content, and unique games of this place. The restaurant teaches visitors of all ages to be dedicated stewards of the environment.

Ben Roberts, US Marketing Director at Kebony, commented, “This is a phenomenal project for McDonald's, and Kebony is extremely proud to be associated with the world's first 'net zero emissions' quick service restaurant. With nearly 1 m² of Kebony® reSAWN's HALLO shou sugi ban burnt wood, the building is part of a sustainable development approach and is a fantastic example of exceptional creativity in design. "