Designed to LEED-Platinum standards, the 7,000 square feet building sits between two large oak trees to create a ‘tree house’ feeling. The oak trees are surrounded by decks to give visitors a chance to be immersed in the restored woodland ecosystem.
The center will house two early-education classrooms specifically designed for Seedlings Preschool, two multi-use rooms, staff offices, and interpretive displays. The building features site-harvested timber, recycled and locally available materials, light shelves for daylight harvesting, low flush toilet fixtures and urinals, and solar-powered faucets that use motion sensors to turn the faucet on and off.
The sunshades of the building have been strategically placed to minimize glare and solar heat gain. The building uses low VOC paints and varnishes and wood products that do not contain added urea-formaldehyde to heighten the quality of indoor air.
Photovoltaic panels, connected in parallel to the electrical service, supply electricity to the building while excess output returns back to the grid. The building also has occupancy sensors to shut off interior lights when staff or visitors are not present. Integrated photocell and time clock devices control site lighting outside the building.
The building features green roof with native plants that do not require irrigation; permeable pavers in the entry drive to reduce storm water run-off while also reducing urban heat island effect; a geothermal system to provide an efficient way to heat the building during winter and cool it during summer; and Energy Recovery Ventilators to reduce energy by reusing pre-conditioned air.
