The 2,800 square foot octagonal Airlie Conference Center pavilion features retractable glass doors, allowing for an open-air feel throughout the year. It also offers 360-degree views. The structure can be used for meetings as well as special events, and is the largest of the 17 conference areas on Airlie’s campus.
Airlie Conference Center renovated its Pavilion in 2011, following stringent LEED guidelines for green building design. Airlie Conference Center not only reduces energy consumption, minimises waste through recycling and composting, and utilises eco-friendly products in all aspects of its operations, but also produces and sources local foods. It operates more than 1,200 acres of sensitive wildlife habitat and runs a series of workshops, conferences and programs dedicated to environmental education and policy each year.
The Pavilion employed various features, which assisted in securing the LEED Gold certification. The building incorporated geothermal heating and cooling. It also repurposed existing space by reusing walls, floors, roofs and 50% of interior non-structural elements. The structure minimised construction waste through recycling and reuse, and also employed recycled content and regionally sourced materials.
Low-emission materials were employed in the facility for improved indoor environmental air quality, such as adhesives and paints. Natural lighting and 360 degree views allow an open-air atmosphere in a fully enclosed setting. Even the outdoor lighting has been angled downward to reduce light pollution.
Water-efficient landscaping has been employed at the building, along with low-flow faucets and innovative wastewater technologies that further maximises water conservation. Organic landscaping and an integrated pest management plan were added to protect natural habitats and preserve biological diversity.
Green housekeeping practices have been followed stringently at the building including, non-phosphate, non-toxic and bleach-free cleaning solutions. The Pavilion is also committed to local, sustainable agriculture through sourcing and production of local food in a four acre culinary garden. Six all-electric vehicles and two hybrid utility vehicles have been employed to support campus transportation needs.
