Bernheim Arboretum and Research Visitors Center
Project
Bernheim Arboretum and Research Visitors Center
Architect
William McDonough + Partners, Design Architect
Barnette Bagley Architects, Architect of Record
Location
Clermont, Kentucky
Size
6,470 sq. ft.
COST
$2,197,000
Awards & Press
Environmental Protection Agency’s Lifecyle Building Challenge Winner, 2009
LBC Outstanding Achievement Award for Best Greenhouse Gas Reduction, 2009
AIA Kentucky Honor Award for Excellence in Architectural Design, 2005
Other Consultants
McIlwain + Associates, Landscape Architect
Gray Construction, Contractor
Prajna Design & Construction, Inc.
BFMJ, Structural Engineer
ESI Design, Exhibit Design
The Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest features a nationally recognized arboretum and the first LEED Platinum certified building in the state of Kentucky – the Bernheim Visitor’s Center. The visitor center is 6,470 sq. ft. and is mostly constructed of reused wood and recycled materials.
STW was responsible for key sustainable design features for the $2,197,000 project, including a geothermal HVAC system for heating and cooling the building and a peat sewer treatment system to minimize environmental impact. Water is harvested from the roof and held in an 8,000 gallon underground cistern for use on site.
The lighting system was designed to minimize environmental light trespass and to maximize day lighting of interior spaces. STW implemented automatic photocell and occupancy sensor-based controls.
