As part of the fast-food giant’s “Scaling for Good” programme, the large-scale store deploys futuristic architecture, technology and a Kebony-louvered exterior to create innovative indoor-outdoor dining.
The McDonald’s Flagship-Disney recently completed construction, aiming to be the first Net-Zero restaurant in the quick-service industry, exemplifying the fast-food leader’s commitment to build a better future. Under a shed clad in solar panels, the 8,024 square-foot restaurant, designed by Ross Barney Architects, was envisioned and developed in response to the Florida climate.
According to the architect’s website, energy consumption is reduced by optimising building and kitchen systems. Energy is generated onsite by 18,727 square feet of photovoltaic panels, 4,809 square feet of glazing integrated photovoltaic panels (BiPV), and 25 off-the-grid parking lot lights produce more energy than the restaurant uses.
As Orlando experiences significant humidity, the building is naturally ventilated approximately 65% of the year. Jalousie windows, operated by outdoor humidity and temperature sensors, close automatically when air-conditioning is required. An outdoor “porch” featuring Kebony wood louvered walls create an extension of the indoor dining room.
Developed in Norway, Kebony’s revolutionary technology is an environmentally friendly and patented process which modifies sustainably sourced softwoods by heating the wood with furfuryl alcohol - an agricultural by-product. By polymerising the wood’s cell wall, the softwoods permanently take on the attributes of tropical hardwood including high durability, hardness and dimensional stability. This unique process also provides Kebony with its characteristic appearance, which only grows more beautiful with time.
Additional sustainable strategies include paving materials that reduce the urban heat island effect, surfaces that redirect rainwater, 1,766 square feet of living green wall that increases biodiversity, new LED lighting, and low flow plumbing fixtures.
Ross Barney Architects emphasise that ‘a robust education strategy was a goal of the project.’ The architecture itself becomes a narrative tool in addition to interior wall graphics, interactive video content, and gaming unique to this location. The restaurant teaches visitors of all ages how to be more dedicated environmental stewards.
Ben Roberts, US Marketing Director at Kebony commented: “This is a phenomenal project for McDonalds and Kebony is extremely proud to be recognised in conjunction with the world’s first net-zero quick-service restaurant. Featuring over 15,000 square feet of reSAWN’s HALLO shou sugi ban charred Kebony® wood, the building embraces sustainability and is a fantastic example of exceptional creativity in design.”