This Pro Tour featured the Massachusetts Audubon Society’s new net zero environmental learning center. During this event, attendees learned how the team at Maclay Architects approached balancing the energy and conservation goals of this project while designing a space that best supports the needs of the occupants.

The Massachusetts Audubon Society, a NESEA Business Member, recently adopted a net zero green building standard. The new learning center was designed to reflect this commitment and to serve as a model for future net zero building projects or renovations for their properties throughout Massachusetts.

Maclay Architects was hired to meet the net zero energy goals and to create a model sustainable workplace. During schematic design, stakeholders were engaged in an interactive and collaborative design process which included design charrettes and stakeholder meetings. The resulting building design incorporates biophilic elements, energy conservation, efficient mechanical systems, a diversity of open and closed workstations, and a large great room for naturalist program preparation and teacher collaboration. The attention to details and teamwork during construction resulted in a beautiful project that has an air infiltration number that is half the strict PHIUS Passive House certification. This project opened in June 2018 in time for the busy summer camp season.

The Pro Tour included a project history and overview workshop; an in-depth tour, with short presentations highlighting specific aspects of the building; a closing reception; and plenty of opportunity for attendees to network and ask questions.

Project Details

• Square Footage: 3,700
• Type of Construction: New
• Pending Living Building Challenge Net Zero certification
• 25 kBTU per square foot per year (modeled)
• Rooftop PV array will generate twice the anticipated onsite energy demand
• Air filtration: 0.021 cfm50 per square foot
• Special Materials Include: Exposed glulam timbers; polished concrete floor; baltic birch for built-in desks, shelving, etc.

Schedule

If you have questions about this event, you can contact Florence at fmacgregor@nesea.org or 413-774-6051 x10.