Edgewood County Park & Natural Preserve Interpretive Center

At Edgewood, green design was an action plan, not an afterthought. Park supporters, the architect, and builders took many steps to reduce environmental impact of this building.

The result is a building that fits into the natural landscape - and serves as the perfect example of the kind of stewardship the Education Center is designed to inspire.

Low Impact

The building's compact footprint minimized its impact on Edgewood's natural resources. It was placed on already-degraded habitat, where a house once stood.

The Center was sited to reduce grading and incorporate the natural hillside for the amphitheater. It was designed so that all native trees could remain.

Energy Conservation

The design, cool roof, and strategic use of windows for ventilation and natural lighting reduces the Center's energy demands. Photovoltaic panels on the roof produce three-quarters of the building's energy needs.

Commitment to Reuse

Recycled building materials from local sources were used throughout the building. The front doors were salvaged from the annex to the old County Courthouse. The floors are made from reclaimed shipping crates. The bathroom uses tiles leftover from home remodel projects.

Eco-friendly Materials

The building shingles are made from recycled rubber, the decks are built from recycled plastic resins, and the Center is insulated with recycled blue jeans. The walls around the garden are made from recycled patios and sidewalks as well as fly ash concrete.

All the lumber is from certified sustainable sources. Throughout the building, paints and finishes are low VOC. Construction debris was, of course, recycled.