The Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center is an interpretive learning center focused on the general subject of water and its relationship to life.
The project comprises a building with interior exhibits and learning environments, a series of trails linking outdoor interpretive experiences, and accessible sustainable design elements that make this a building that “teaches” visitors about good environmental stewardship.
The building and grounds are a model for sustainable design and construction – exhibiting innovative techniques to minimize disturbance to the site and to maximize energy efficiency.
Buford, GA
LEED Gold
59,000 sf
AIA Atlanta, Committee on the Environment
2007 Greenprints Conference Showcase Winner
Beyond Green Sustainable Building Industry Council
2007 High Performance Building Award, Category A
Georgia WaterWise Council
Fox McCarthy Water Wise Award, 2008
Photo: Jonathan Hillyer
Photo: Jonathan Hillyer
"We originally worried about making the interpretive exhibits the showcase of our project, but people are coming to see the building. They want to learn about the green roof and the rain gardens. You walk through the building and you can see it. It's all visible! They want to learn how to capture green design in their own homes."
— Steve Cannon, Executive Director
Photo: Jonathan Hillyer
Photo: Jonathan Hillyer