Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center

The Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center serves as an interpretive learning facility, focusing on the critical relationship between water and life, located on the expansive site of the F. Wayne Hill Water Resources Center. The design of the center integrates a building with educational exhibits, learning spaces, and outdoor trails that link various interpretive experiences, each emphasizing sustainability. The project demonstrates advanced environmental design principles, minimizing site disturbance and maximizing energy efficiency. The facility's sustainable elements include a one-acre green roof, gray water systems, waterless urinals, and daylight harvesting technologies. These features contribute to significant resource savings, with the building consuming 75% less potable water and 35% less energy compared to conventional structures. Moreover, the center acts as a living model of sustainable practices, from the use of regionally sourced materials to systems like fan-assisted natural ventilation and a cooling shoal, which functions as part of the building’s HVAC system. With LEED Gold certification, this project highlights the collaborative efforts between Gwinnett County and multiple educational institutions to promote environmental stewardship through thoughtful design.