Washington University Olin Business School and Bauer Hall, St. Louis, MO
Photography courtesy of Olin Business School.
Washington University’s campus has gotten greener. From an electric car-charging station to passive climate and air-quality controls, two new buildings at Washington University are the latest to earn LEED Gold certification for their green design and construction. The Olin Business School’s Knight Hall and Bauer Hall have both met the U.S. Green Building Council’s high standards of sustainability and energy efficiency. The project was completed in 2014 and designed by Moore Ruble Yudell architecture firm with St. Louis-based Mackey Mitchell Architects serving as associate firm. Tarlton Corp. was the construction services provider and manager.
Recycled materials along with sustainably harvested woods and materials from regional sources were used in construction. Renewable energy sources including wind, solar and biomass will provide a portion of the power for the 177,000 square feet of new space. Washington University now has 18 LEED Gold or Silver buildings and one Platinum status.
VanDusen Botanical Garden Visitor Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia
Photography by Nic Lehoux. Courtesy of Perkins+Will.
Inspired by organic forms and natural systems, the VanDusen Botanical Garden Visitor Centre creates a harmonious balance between architecture and landscape. The single-story structure was designed by Perkins+Will and includes an innovative prefabricated roof form that appears to float above the buildings’ curved rammed earth and concrete walls. The building form flows seamlessly into a central oculus and the surrounding landscape.
Located on the Garden’s southeast corner, the Visitor Centre transforms the site’s entrance. Designed to exceed LEED Platinum status, the Visitor Centre is the first building in Canada to apply for the Living Building Challenge. Mimicking natural systems, it collects water, harvests sunlight and stores energy until needed.
h2hotel, Healdsburg, CA
Tucked in the heart of Sonoma Valley is h2hotel. The boutique hotel is LEED Gold certified and all aspects of the design, operations and attitude are eco-conscious. From the green, planted roof to solar panels, David Baker Architects designed the project with green in mind. Reclaiming the site of a gas station, the project was built responsibly with 85 percent of the construction debris recycled. Other eco-friendly aspects include the use of reclaimed wood and bamboo flooring. Behind the property is the Foss Creek, which the hotel along with the city has taken great care to restore. Not only environmentally responsible but also stylish, the h2hotel makes for the perfect place to stay when in Sonoma.
Resources:
Local: Wash U Olin Business School
Local: Wash U Olin Business School
Architect: Moore Ruble Yudell
Associate architect: Mackey Mitchell
Construction: Tarlton Corp.
