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Architect: H3 Hardy Collaboration Architecture Location: Texas, USA Completion: 2011 Size: 70,000 square feet Cost: $25,000,000 Client: Botanical Research Institute of Texas Photographer: Chris Cooper
The new LEED-NC Platinum headquarters for BRIT houses a variety of separate yet interconnected functions, divided into two structures: the “Think Block”, housing administration and research offices, education department, exhibit area, and public spaces, and the “Archive Block”, housing the herbarium and library.
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The Think Block is a two-story structure of precast concrete panels punctuated with glass—broad expanses on the north side to bring in plentiful light and smaller openings on the south. A striking lobby greets visitor as they enter, featuring a grand central stair, reclaimed sinker cypress wall, and view through floor-to-ceiling glass to the restored prairie outside. The Archive Block houses the extensive collection of botanical specimens in the Herbarium, a two-story 20,000-square-foot climate controlled storage hall, together with a distinguished book collection found in the library stacks. Because of the delicate nature of the specimens, the structure is nearly windowless—a solid box of tilt-up concrete panels to provide maximum temperature and humidity controls.
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On the concrete facades, overlapping vines of different patterns of foliage, texture, and color respond to changing sun angles and seasons. The sloping Think Block roof is a green expanse of informal patterns of regional sedums and grasses of the native Fort Worth Prairie. The interior character of the building is that of a work place, offering an environment where research, informed study, collaboration, and education can take place in a collegial, inspiring atmosphere.
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The spirit of environmental responsibility is manifest in all components of BRIT’s new building. Sustainable features such as stormwater management, geothermal wells, solar panels, reclaimed and recycled materials, a green roof, and many others combine to achieve a LEED-NC Platinum Rating.
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