Design
The program was simple yet very important. Equally important was the opportunity to improve the first impression of the campus through the conversion of parking lots into gardens and creating a compact building dedicated to water. The team gathered during its first visit to the site and developed the site plan and original building concept during a two-day workshop. The concepts that emerged from that session remained intact throughout the process, though a significant change resulted as the design developed. The roof slope on the main building was reversed as a result of new information concerning solar energy needs for growing plants. In this case, the scientific process superseded our initial intuition for the massing and orientation of the building forms.

Construction
There were three notable factors regarding the construction process. The client served as general contractor, with the support of a small construction firm. The remoteness of the site made sourcing materials and specialty technology services difficult. Material requirements for the Living Building Challenge and LEED Platinum target made procurement, and therefore the overall construction process, more complicated than usual.

Operations/Maintenance
Operating a Living Building with such a specific purpose is a learning experience. The team running the facility has to learn the systems and make seasonal adjustments.