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The architects adopted the design strategy of making sure that elements that were really important to the building were integrated completely and performed more than one function.

"The best example is the Trombe walls," says Joshua Gassman, project manager and project architect for the firm.

"They function as solar collectors to heat the building. But they also are the lateral bracing system and the vertical structure to hold up the roof. They're used as exhibit panels — the concrete walls go to the inside," Gassman adds. "Ducts and grills in them move air for ventilation."

Meeting the 2030 Challenge

Lord, Aeck & Sargent has a history of creating sustainable buildings, and in January 2007 pledged to meet the 2030 Challenge set out by Edward Mazria and Architecture 2030. The 2030 Challenge cites buildings as a major source of demand for energy -- and therefore a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions -- and implores architects and other professionals to reduce carbon emissions of buildings through design.

The Blue Ridge Parkway Center surpasses the 2030 Challenge design standards.

About 30 local architects have already visited the center to discuss its sustainable features and consider integrating them into their projects, according to John Starr.

"We feel the active learning component of the building will be successful," Starr says. "For buildings that have an environmental component and are cultural buildings, we like to talk to our clients and see if they're willing to embrace that as part of their program.

"Certainly at Blue Ridge that was an explicit part of the design intent." Starr gives an example: "[O]ne park service person walks around with a terrarium to show visitors the various levels of the roof."

Green Roof and Beyond

The center is capped with a 10,000-square-foot (930-square-meter) extensive green roof planted with native, drought-tolerant plants. Two cisterns collect rainwater for irrigating the roof plantings.

The green roof manages stormwater runoff best in light rain. The cisterns and a series of bioswales add the ability to capture water during heavy rain.

Additional sustainable features include a curtain wall with recycled aluminum content, hydronic radiant-heated flooring; photo and occupancy sensors for artificial lighting; and zero-VOC paint and sealants. The HVAC system uses an energy-recovery unit to transfer heat from exhaust air to intake air in the winter and transfer humidity in the opposite direction in summer.

Materials were sourced in a radius of 500 miles (805 kilometers) to reduce energy consumption. Glue-laminated wood trusses allow for structural members to be made using smaller pieces of wood, reducing the need to harvest older trees.

The high fly-ash content in the concrete also reduced energy use by replacing some of the energy-intensive Portland cement. Fly ash is a residue from chimneys, and can strengthen concrete in the correct proportions.

For the Blue Ridge Parkway Destination Center, the whole picture was taken into consideration.

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SUBSCRIPTION SAMPLE For the Blue Ridge Parkway Center, a National Park Service facility, Lord, Aeck & Sargent adapted a southern Appalachian vernacular style with modern materials. Photo: Jonathan Hillyer Extra Large Image Renderings show shading and thermal performance of the Blue Ridge Parkway Center's Trombe walls. Image: Lord, Aeck & Sargent Extra Large Image SUBSCRIPTION SAMPLE Overall energy use at the Blue Ridge Parkway Center is estimated to be about 75 percent lower than a conventional building. Image: Lord, Aeck & Sargent Extra Large Image An extensive green roof crowns the Blue Ridge Parkway Destination Center. Photo: Jonathan Hillyer Extra Large Image The main roof trusses at the Blue Ridge Parkway Center are composed of composite-wood and steel members. Photo: Jonathan Hillyer Extra Large Image The Destination Center houses educational exhibits about the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway, a 1930s public works highway project. Photo: Jonathan Hillyer Extra Large Image And open stair connects the ground floor with the floor below. Photo: Jonathan Hillyer Extra Large Image The Blue Ridge Parkway Center main hall. Photo: Jonathan Hillyer Extra Large Image A patio extends from the Trombe wall along the south side of the Blue Ridge Parkway Center. Photo: Jonathan Hillyer Extra Large Image The Destination Center is located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway at 195 Hemphill Knob Road near milepost 384. Photo: Jonathan Hillyer Extra Large Image   Click on thumbnail images to view full-size pictures.