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Robert Umenhofer Photography
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Class of 1966 Environmental Center
Williams College (Williamstown, MA)
Living Building Challenge Certified by the International Living Future Institute
This classroom and office building has met all of the Living Building Challenge criteria. The green-building certification is one of the most difficult to achieve and requires the design, materials, and construction to conform to 20 imperatives including demonstrated net zero water and net zero energy performance. The design incorporates an historic building with new construction, intentionally magnifying the difference while creating a single functional plan. The lower floors are public spaces - kitchen, reception, reading room, conference room, and classroom, while the upper floor is faculty offices. The design features an energy efficient building envelope, foam-flush composting toilets, balanced daylighting, solar PV panels, and no “red-list” materials. Extensive landscaping includes an amphitheater, outdoor classrooms, gardens and constructed wetlands.
Project Team
Landscape Architect: Wagner Hodgson Landscape
Civil Engineer: Guntlow & Associates
Structural Engineer: Novelli Engineering
Mechanical Engineer: Kohler & Lewis
Electrical Engineer: DuBois & King
Energy Consultant: Integrated Eco Strategy
General Contractor: Consigli Construction
“Our building is fantastic - absolutely crawling with students at all hours. It has extended our reach and our impact, which was, of course, the ultimate goal.”
Sarah Gardner, Faculty, Williams College Center for Environmental Studies
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