For REI's Boulder, CO prototype store, Moss created eight fabric lampshades for Solatubes, used in the center of the store. The Solatubes channel natural daylight into the store. The Solatubes used throughout the store are expected to save more than 20 percent in energy costs. The fabric lanterns mimic "tent-like" construction with exposed framework and fabric tabs holding the frame.
The Boulder REI prototype store will serve as a working laboratory to test new retail concepts and the performance of green building features and will help the company make decisions on how it approaches green building design and construction in the future. Green initiatives include three solar strategies: passive solar, solar thermal, and solar electric. Green materials such as bamboo, recycled rubber, and cork have been used throughout the store. REI built the Boulder store using the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards, specifically to achieve a LEED Silver certification.
As the architect and contributing interior designer, San Francisco-based Gensler was guided by LEED standards to create custom-design new fixtures, signage and wayfinding systems for the new layout of the store. Gensler is also managing the LEED certification process for the Boulder store.