On the outskirts of Elkhart, Indiana, a new 171,341-square-foot Amazon delivery station—known as DII5—is redefining what an industrial facility can be. Designed by ZGF with Atlantic AE as architect of record, the structure serves not only as a logistics hub but also as a prototype for sustainable industrial design.
A Green Shift in Industrial Architecture
Amazon’s DII5 signals a broader industry pivot toward eco-conscious logistics infrastructure. While the company’s delivery operations often draw scrutiny for their environmental impact, this facility demonstrates a commitment to low-carbon construction and renewable materials, blending functionality with sustainability.
Operational Details: Design Meets Responsibility
The delivery station features a mass timber canopy that extends 550 feet across its facades, protecting employees and drivers from Indiana’s unpredictable weather. The design employs glulam beams and cross-laminated timber panels sourced from 13 states and seven tree species, emphasizing material diversity and regional collaboration. Inside, clerestory windows flood the warehouse with natural light, reducing dependence on artificial lighting.
Economic Impact and Local Integration
The building incorporates thermally modified poplar siding grown and treated within 100 miles of the site, ensuring minimal transportation emissions. Additionally, salvaged oak from the property was repurposed into interior furniture and structural elements, supporting local craft and sustainable reuse.
Strategic Significance: Amazon’s Sustainable Experiment
For Amazon, DII5 is more than an operational upgrade—it’s an experiment in low-carbon industrial architecture. “DII5 continues our effort to reimagine how we build and operate,” said Daniel Mallory, Vice President of Global Realty at Amazon. The project aligns with the company’s Climate Pledge and serves as a model for future logistics centers.
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