May 13, 2002—The National Wildlife Federations (NWF) headquarters in Reston, Virginia has been named among the American Institute of Architects Top Ten “Green” projects. The award is given to projects that address significant environmental challenges with designs that integrate architecture, technology and natural systems.
NWFs selection of “state-of-the-shelf” construction technologies and materials was praised for its efficiency, allowing NWF to put into practice the common-sense conservation for which the organization is known.
Some of the NWF building features that stood out in the minds of the judges were the:
- native plantings that support local wildlife and reduce the need for irrigation and frequent mowing, buildings orientation which capitalizes on solar energy sources to reduce energy expenditure and increases natural light,
- facilitys north exposure, which overlooks Lake Fairfax Park, is a curtainwall of glass offering beautiful vistas and floods the interior spaces with light to create a welcoming atmosphere,
- vertical trellis on the south side of the building planted with deciduous vines that leaf in the summer to provide shade and are bare in the winter allowing sunlight to heat the facility. The trellis also provides a vertical habitat for indigenous wildlife.
Completed in January of 2001, the 95,000 square foot headquarters building houses 250 employees dedicated to conserving our nations wildlife and wild places. Designed by Hellmuth, Obata and Kassabaum (HOK), known for their leadership in sustainable design, all the building features strike a sensible balance between efficiency, cost-effectiveness and environmental friendliness.
