Program

Renovation of and addition to the internationally renowned environmental research center, originally designed by founder of the green building movement, Malcolm Wells, in 1978.

Total Cost

TBD

Gross Area

36,000 SF

Funding

Privately funded

Timeline

Construction commenced 2020, completed 2022

Role

Planner and architect

Features

Renovation of the facility to return it to Malcolm Wells original vision to create a near-zero energy building to house the Institute's research, conference center, and administrative offices.

Sustainability

Designed based on principles of LEED; Living Building Future Zero Carbon, Zero Energy, and Core Green. Energy Use Intensity Rating of 61 kBtu/ft^2, and designed to be 48% more energy efficient than a typical office building.  Conversion from propane-fired heating system to all-electric, with all facility power needs provided from ground mount solar PV, removing the facility's reliance on fossil fuels. High performance, thermally broken building envelope with triple-glazed Passive House compliant glazing system; recycled, local, low VOC and FSC certified construction materials with environmental and health product disclosures; energy recovery ventilation and enhanced air filtration.