US Research Centre Expansion to Incorporate Sustainable Building Techniques

5 June 2011 (Last Updated June 5th, 2011 18:30)

The Walking Mountain Science Center in Avon, Colorado, US, is planning to construct a new four-building campus using sustainable techniques. The campus is being designed by architecture firms Zehren & Associates and Mithun. The building's green design features include a

The Walking Mountain Science Center in Avon, Colorado, US, is planning to construct a new four-building campus using sustainable techniques.

The campus is being designed by architecture firms Zehren & Associates and Mithun.

The building’s green design features include a high efficiency, airtight building envelope with minimal thermal breaks within the roof, walls and foundation.

The campus features three-stage radiant heating features a solar thermal system, a ground-source heat pump and a 95% efficient boiler, to achieve energy efficiency and limit fossil fuel usage.

The wooden exterior of the buildings is made from Colorado harvested, beetle-kill pine and low VOC coating, which highlights the durability and beauty of pine.

The building is expected to achieve LEED Platinum certification from the US Green Building Council.