Richard C. Shelby Center for
Ecosystem Based Fisheries Research

The owner had the following sustainability goals for the building.

The new building should:

1. Reduce operations and maintenance costs, so that money can be used for research.
2. Be a "brick", utilizing durable, resilient construction that is easily maintained.
3. Demonstrate how buildings can positively impact environmental health, in particular aquatic ecosystems.
4. Attract researchers with healthy, daylit, comfortable work environments.
5. Incorporate as much renewable energy as the budget allows.

The design of the new Shelby Center meets those goals with a combination of simple strategies.

The first is to "unlayer" the building. The structure and mechanical systems are all exposed, the concrete slab will be polished into the finished floor and the concrete blocks will receive a transluscent light reflecting sealer, but no paint. It is intended to be a building without make-up. The adhesives, coatings and sealants that are used will adhere to the highest environmental standards to reduce the health risks associated with that "new building smell."

The labs have generous windows, to provide a daylit work environment and reduce electric lighting. Windows between the corridor and the labs bring daylight further into the building. The added transparency creates a more social workplace, encouraging the sharing of ideas, and providing another visual connection to the surrounding environment.

The architecture responds to solar orientation with deeper overhangs on the south side to keep out the heat, and minimal roof overhangs on the Northern side to let diffuse northern light into the labs. Solar thermal panels will provide hot water for the building and solar electic panels will reduce the amount of electricity the building draws fro the grid at peak rates. Labs are notorious energy hogs. The Shelby Center's mechanical systems are designed to respond to the building's actual use with occupancy sensors and variable speed equipment. This prevents the unnecessary energy use that is a result of the standard practice of designing around "worst case scenarios."

The landscape is designed to absorb and naturally filter stormwater with a series of "infiltration beds" planted with wildlife attracting species. The plants will provide needed habitat for migrating birds, while demonstrating an alternative to traditional "pipe and treat" stormwater management.

The Shelby Center is targeting LEED certification as a way to measure and quantify the sustainable strategies used in the building.

• Educational Presentation (13.4 MB PowerPoint)
• LEED Checklist
• Website