McDonald’s and Ross Barney Architects have collaborated on a recent project in the United States, showcasing a one-of-a-kind modern and environmentally-friendly fast food restaurant.

The 19,000sq ft (1765sq m) steel and timber restaurant was inspired by McDonald’s commitment to sustainability, according to the restaurant, and is unlike anything in their current collection of over 37,000 restaurants.

The glass facade is covered by a canopy of solar panels, which stretch far beyond the exterior of the walls. The solar panels help power LED lighting fixtures, air conditioning units and an array of kitchen appliances indoors.

More than 70 trees have been planted around the plot at ground level and a vegetated roof sits atop. Native and drought-resilient plants and trees are being used throughout the landscape along with permeable pavements to reduce rainwater runoff.

In the centre of the restaurant a raised garden of ferns and white birch trees are positioned within a glass cube.

McDonald’s owner-operator Nick Karavites said: “This is one of the most amazing McDonald’s restaurants I’ve ever seen and a great fit for this iconic location. I know Chicago will be as proud as I am to have this one-of-a-kind restaurant in our great city.”

The new restaurant sits on the site of the original Rock N Roll McDonald’s that served as a flagship for the chain up until it was demolished last year. The newly developed restaurant is applying to become LEED-certified.

“Chicago is truly a special place for McDonald’s. Not only is it the new home for our modern global headquarters but new restaurant experiences that are unique to this city,” said McDonald’s president and CEO Steve Easterbrook. “We are proud to open the doors to this flagship restaurant which symbolises how we are building a better McDonald’s for our customers and the communities where they live.”

The restaurant was opened on 9 August and will operate 24/7, serving both drive-thru and dine-in customers.