Media contacts: Barbara Fornasiero, EAFocus Communications; barbara@eafocus.com; 248.260.8466; Savanna Pace, Cunningham-Limp; space@clc.build; 248.921.2531
Novi, Mich.—April 27, 2023—In celebration of Earth Month and sustainable, biophilic design, Novi-based Cunningham-Limp was pleased to host local economic developers for an April 25 hard hat tour of the 10-acre project it is developing for Japan Solderless Terminals (JST), the global leader in the connection industry. The sprawling parcel at 35917 12 Mile Road in Farmington Hills – hailed as Michigan’s most holistically sustainable commercial project – began development in 2019 after years of detailed planning. The Test Lab, the first of six buildings on the JST site, is slated for completion in fall 2023.
An homage to the forest and Japanese culture and design, the chief elements of the development will portray the idea of harmony: between people and the ecosystem; Japanese and American cultures; and the preservation of nature in a built environment. All materials are naturally sourced as part of the fundamental theme of the project.
In striking contrast to traditional construction methods and materials, there will be no drywall, paint, carpet, or other synthetic products used at all. In perhaps the most remarkable of its sustainability efforts, the interior of one of the buildings will be devoid of electricity or furniture, with a domed roof and timber frames wound tightly by instrumental strings so that when the wind blows, music will echo throughout the property.
The following organizations were represented on the tour:
- Ann Arbor Spark
- City of Auburn Hills
- City of Farmington Hills
- City of Novi
- Domino’s Farms Office Park (Ann Arbor)
- MI-HQ (Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti)
- Oakland County Economic Development
- Wayne County Economic Development
- Urban Land Institute of Michigan (ULI)
Cunningham-Limp President, Samuel J. Ashley Jr., LEED AP, who has been involved with the project from its inception, welcomed the tour participants and applauded their interest in sustainable design.
“Michigan can help set the standard for design that complements nature rather than destroys it,” Ashley said. “Cunningham-Limp is honored to play a major role in showcasing the beauty, viability, and functionality of sustainable development through this JST project.”
JST manufactures a variety of connectors, terminals, and splices, and is currently located in Farmington Hills, just around the corner from the new site. The company’s goal with the new development is to be in harmony with nature and prevent disruptions to the site’s ecosystem and biodiversity while also benefiting employees through soothing surroundings. Critical to the complex project, which requires intensive and ongoing evaluation, is the preservation of the forested land, the ecosystem, and the animals indigenous to the site, with the ultimate goal of optimal coexistence with humans and nature.
Full project completion is anticipated in 2025. A detailed description of the JST project can be viewed here. Aerial photos can be viewed here, and a video of the project is available here.
About Cunningham-Limp
Headquartered in Novi, Michigan, Cunningham-Limp is a full-service construction management organization focused on building better communities. Led by a team of engineers, construction professionals, real estate experts and financial advisors, Cunningham-Limp delivers solutions by actively managing projects from concept through completion. Learn more at our website.
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