This project, like every design opportunity, is unique in its opportunities and challenges. A former residence contiguous with Metro Parks’ property was purchased with the intent to create a field office for the Ranger and Natural Resource Departments. This 1960’s vintage ranch is set on a beautiful site bordered to the south by a large open field, and nestled in to the pines and native hardwoods to the north. Close proximity to a major hike/bike trail places this building in the public eye, and presents an opportunity to demonstrate to the community how a humble structure can be transformed into a model for sustainable design.

The Metro Parks conceived this project with the intent of pursuing Green Design principles to create a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified building. The US Green Building Council sets forth the qualifications for certification and we intend to meet some of these through the use of geothermal heating and cooling, photovoltaic (solar) panels, natural light, sustainable and recycled building materials, on-site sanitary waste management, and innovative storm water management.