Chicago — INVISTA, makers of Antron carpet fiber, has achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification for Commercial Interiors for its Antron brand studio showroom in Chicago’s Merchandise Mart, the company reports.

The showroom, created by Design Collaboratives Inc. of Chicago, features minimal internal structure and utilizes many of the original 1983 finishes and furniture. This minimizes waste and the need for new materials by creating a multi-use, transformable space similar to a theater stage that can easily change its personality and functionality depending on the event. INVISTA directed the design team to reuse as many of the existing finishes as possible.The design also addresses future needs and reduces future waste through the use of technology to minimize materials needed for new graphic updates. Controls for the HVAC and lighting will reduce overall energy use in the showroom optimizing energy performance.

The showroom will be continually used throughout the year for Antron ASAP seminars that are designed to educate new designers on issues, including carpet and fiber specification, aesthetics options in carpet, and sustainability.

Visit www.invista.com for more information.