We first featured this wonderful project in our Journal of Indoor Environmental Quality and are pleased to present our readers with more of its architectural and mechanical features.

Press release excerpt :
"After more than 20 years of planning, Blue Ridge Parkway has a new destination center to orient visitors to the history, culture and resources of the Parkway and its surrounding region.  At the same time, in keeping with the National Park Service’s sustainable design initiative, the new Blue Ridge Parkway Destination Center serves as an exhibit of sustainable, environmentally responsible architecture.

 Designed by the architecture firm Lord, Aeck & Sargent and targeting LEED Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council, the $9.8 million Blue Ridge Parkway Destination Center features a host of sustainable design strategies, including an innovative passive solar system to heat the building, day lighting to minimize use of electrical lights and a planted roof to help integrate the building into the site."

Read the full release here.

Key Features:

Vented Trombe Wall        

Energy Recovery Unit

Hydronic Radiant Heated Flooring

Green Roof, 100 Percent of Which Is Planted With Native, Drought Tolerant Plants

Photo Sensors That Turn On the Lights Only When There Is Not Enough Natural Light

Occupancy Sensors That Ensure Lights Are Turned Off When No One Is Occupying the Offices

Operable Windows in the Offices and the Exhibit Hall

A Storm Water Runoff System That Captures Rainwater.

 Zero VOC Paint and Sealants