Written by Vector1Media Tuesday, 12 February 2008 02:23
Through
a series of integrated sustainable strategies that are expected to save
between 20 percent and 30 percent of its normal operating costs, The
Wild Center exceeded the base LEED certification to earn a Silver
distinction. The LEED system provides a roadmap for measuring and
documenting sustainability across six categories: sustainable site
including construction activity pollution prevention; water efficiency;
energy and atmosphere; materials and resources; indoor environmental
quality; and innovation and design process.
“We
looked really hard at every choice that LEED defined,” said Wild Center
Executive Director Stephanie Ratcliffe. “It became clear to our team
that through every choice, we could get more by using less. That means
that we can spend more of our future budget on building the museum
experience and less on the museum building itself.”
The
Wild Center collaborated with the architectural firm HOK to address
many of the LEED criteria in the museum’s original main building and
campus design. While planning its new solar-powered BioBuilding, which
houses administrative offices, the museum employed the same LEED
priorities with assistance from HOK, the Office of Charles P. Reay, and
Phinney Design Group.
The
Wild Center also represents the first LEED certified project in the
entire 6-million-acre Adirondack Park. Larger than the state of
Massachusetts, the park is unique in its bio-diverse ecological
composition, epic natural events, glacial formations, and as a
sociopolitical model that showcases how humans and nature can coexist.
“The
Adirondacks are a great model for how people can live with the natural
world, and it’s exciting to see the future of sustainable building
breaking new ground in the Adirondacks,” Radcliffe said.
Visitors
to the 54,000-square-foot museum experience the building through a
journey that alternates seamlessly between the indoor and outdoor
environment as they proceed through a well-choreographed progression of
engaging spaces.
Donated
by Tupper Lake school district voters, the 31-acre site had previously
consisted of an open cut sand quarry, enabling the team to minimize
disturbance of the existing natural habitat.
A
three-acre pond provides a backdrop to the building and creates an
indigenous wetland that attracts birds, amphibians, small mammals and
insects that can be viewed within close range. The pond also manages
the site's stormwater and exhibit water discharge.
About
10 percent of the museum's power comes from a 40kW photovoltaic array
on the roof of the Bio Building. The rest of the electrical power is
generated by Niagara Falls.
Stormwater
from the roof is collected and channeled into the pond next to the
building. Composting toilets help reduce water consumption.
A
well-insulated building envelope, low VOC materials, efficient air
filtration, air quality monitoring, staff and visitor surveys and a
digitally controlled building management system combine to create a
productive, healthy indoor environment.
The
museum is designed in an indigenous Adirondacks style with locally
available materials. White pine exterior siding was harvested and
milled in Tupper Lake; Red Garnet and Champlain stone come from
quarries in the park. The metal roofing, concrete and structural steel
were supplied and fabricated in local plants. GreenSeal certified
finish materials provide a healthy indoor environment.
The museum is developing exhibit-style labels to help visitors learn about its environmental strategies and materials.
The Wild Center represents HOK’s 23nd project to earn LEED recognition from the U.S. Green Building Council.
HOK is a global architectural firm that specializes in planning, design and delivery solutions for buildings and communities. Through its collaborative network of 26 offices worldwide, the firm serves diverse clients within the corporate, commercial, public and institutional markets. HOK is committed to developing resources and expertise to help lead the world toward sustainable communities and building environments. Founded in 1955, the firm’s expertise includes architecture, engineering, interiors, planning, lighting, graphics, facilities planning and assessment and construction services.
HOK is a global architectural firm that specializes in planning, design and delivery solutions for buildings and communities. Through its collaborative network of 26 offices worldwide, the firm serves diverse clients within the corporate, commercial, public and institutional markets. HOK is committed to developing resources and expertise to help lead the world toward sustainable communities and building environments. Founded in 1955, the firm’s expertise includes architecture, engineering, interiors, planning, lighting, graphics, facilities planning and assessment and construction services.
