St. Louis expansion is the first major local attraction to be recognised at LEED Gold certification level for its environmentally sustainable design.
Designed by British architect David Chipperfield, the museum’s expansion features low-flow bathrooms and kitchen, a storm-water irrigation system and a green roof. More than 80% of the building’s wood was harvested from forests certified by the Forest Stewardship Council while over 97% of construction waste was recycled.
The expanded building, which will open on 29 June 2013, will feature new galleries, classrooms, a 300-space garage and restaurant. The total cost of the project is estimated at $162 million.
