Green Field Notes
Nov 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Sustainable-design principles put into action in today's education institutions.
Hewitt-Trussville High School — Trussville, Ala.
Architect: Davis Architects
When planning this facility, what considerations were given to green products and processes?
The city of Trussville wanted to reflect the best of its community while respecting the ecology of the beautiful site along the banks of the Cahaba River, one of America's last and longest free-flowing rivers. The design of the building focused primarily on protecting the river and using the existing vegetation to stabilize the soils and provide natural shading. Much consideration was given to using green materials that were manufactured and harvested locally, and unique recycled materials were incorporated into the structure and finishes.
What are some unique green aspects of the facility?
The building is shaped around the adjacent Cahaba River to respect and celebrate the environment while also teaching the importance of preserving it. Playing fields on the other side — connected to the campus by a pedestrian bridge — take advantage of natural grasslands that were there long before a single stone was put in place. Special woodland parking areas preserve numerous special species of trees tagged by the architect for survival, and the surrounding undeveloped areas and existing vegetation allow for natural filtering of contaminants from the parking lot. High-quality metal roofing is part of a rainwater collection system that channels water into a pond to supply the school's irrigation system.
Community response
The city of Trussville immediately embraced the project and marveled at the use of natural light, views and native materials. The Cahaba River is practically in everyone's backyard, so people were appreciative of the efforts made to protect and celebrate it. The school has developed programs to use the river in the curriculum and to involve the community in restoration efforts. In recognition of this acute environmental sensitivity, the Cahaba River Society presented it with the Blue Green Design Award.
- Return to the 2009 Architectural Portfolio's Green Field Notes main page to view more projects where sustainable-design principles were used in today's educational institutions.
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