The $42 million Mars Center for Science and Technology incorporates various green features, which include a 1,300 square feet green roof and drought-tolerant plants in the landscape of the building that conserve water. The green roof and landscaped plantings cover more than 65% of the project’s site.
To cut back dependence on artificial lighting, the building features glass curtain walls, which bring in sunlight into the inner spaces. To reduce heat gains in the summer, the glass and brims have solar shading. To further reduce power consumption, the building features interior lighting sensors.
The air handling units of the building features energy recovery wheels that significantly reduce heating and cooling loads. The HVAC system of the building achieved an energy savings of 28%. During construction, the contractors recycled or reused almost 88% of the construction waste which amounted to 691.74 tons.
The building was constructed using recycled materials, which accounted for approximately 22% of the total materials. Further 91% of the wood-based materials used came from forests that are certified as being harvested from FSC-certified forests.
The Mars Center for Science and Technology has 12 teaching labs and 23 research labs as well as a rooftop observatory and greenhouse. The development team for the scheme consisted of the developer Rise Group; architects EYP; and general contractor Bond Brothers.
