Lorax gathered the project’s key stakeholders together for a three-day charette with the mission of collectively evaluating the project’s numerous options, the most notable of which were LEED certification, Living Building Challenge certification, or green building design with no certification at all.
Project Information
Location
Myakka City, Florida
Client
Steven Kahle Architects (SKA Studio)
Owner
The Lemur Conservation Foundation
Size
Under 10,000 sq ft
Certification
New Construction, Feasibility Study for The Living Building Challenge
Since 1996, the Lemur Conservation Foundation has been dedicated to supporting the preservation and rehabilitation of lemur populations in their native Madagascar. With a twentieth anniversary on the horizon and a growing need for a new residence hall, the non-profit decided to explore the possibility of building green. Lorax was hired by SKA Studio to lead a feasibility study for the project team as they delved into the exciting but complex world of sustainability certifications.
Through the charette, the project’s key stakeholders were able to reinforce and expound upon their commitment to “deep green” sustainability goals, and ultimately chose to pursue the ambitious Living Building Challenge for their new residence hall. Together, the team explored many strategies to achieve the project goals; among the top sustainability strategies explored were rooftop solar PV installations, rainwater capture and re-use, as well as wastewater treatment and direct recharging of local aquifers, and passive ventilation design.
The Lemur Conservation Foundation (LCF) was established in 1996 by Penelope Bodry-Sanders. LCF is a leader in the conservation and preservation of the primates of Madagascar through programs dedicated to observation oriented research, education, and lemur propagation, with a commitment to infuse art into all of our mission programs. LCF is an American Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited private, 100-acre facility based in Myakka City, Florida. The Lemur Conservation Foundation is a respected voice for science, conservation, education, art, and lemurs, the iconic image of the conservation challenges and environmental stewardship facing Madagascar and the world.