Designed for LEED

Thermal chimneys and an underground rainwater tank revolutionize this 1981 laboratory building. Fresh air is cooled by manifolds in the underground tank and induced through the building´s louvered glazed partitions by thermal chimneys. The original concrete structure was stripped back to expose thermal mass for improved cooling and heating performance. Rainw... more

A contemporary addition at the rear of this historic school incorporates solar panels that reduce the overall energy consumption of the building. The solar panels also act as shades to control the amount of lighting that penetrates into the building. The shades help to decrease solar gain in the warmer months, while allowing the sun to penetrate the interior... more

This cost-efficient roof framing system utilizes economical, pre-fabricated wood trusses to not only create a clear span and vaulted ceiling in the classrooms, but also to allow natural lighting through north-facing clerestory windows. Coupled with large protected openings on the Southern exposure of the building, the system allows passive cross ventilation ... more

Bertschi School is a pre-kindergarten through 5th grade school in Seattle. A high degree of environmental consciousness among the children has been fostered by the teachers. All of the sustainable features and systems of this new building (including photovoltaic energy, natural ventilation, rain water cisterns, cotton insulation and recycled materials) are r... more

Deep underground the Woodbury High School’s new state-of-the-art Athletic Complex stems the Board of Education’s commitment to a “greener” future. You would never imagine that below the grassy surface exists a 176-bore geothermal field. Faced with open space restrictions at the urban school, the architects proposed that the wells be placed underneath the new... more