HIGHLANDS CENTER FOR NATURAL HISTORY
THE JAMES LEARNING CENTER

  Computer Modeled Sun Study

PRESCOTT-- By this time next year, we will all be able to tour a beautiful and fascinating facility nestled in the Prescott National Forest on Walker Road.  The James Learning Center is to be the main building at the Highlands Center for Natural History (HCNH) Lynx Creek Site.  The illustration, provided by Prescott architect Matthew B. Ackerman AIA, principal of CATALYST ARCHITECTURE, allows you to appreciate its unique design.


LEED Certification

Much has been said and promised about more energy-efficient and sustainable design in recent decades, but the promises have often been unfulfilled.  After many years of practicing as a registered architect, Matt Ackerman, determined to follow his desire to design "green," established CATALYST ARCHITECTURE in Prescott in 2003.  Because of his strong commitment to energy-efficient/sustainable design, he had acquired his Leadership in Energy & environmental Design (LEED) accreditation about a year and a half earlier.  He had, through designing a professional life that would be meaningful to him, arrived at a defining moment when the Request for Proposal (RFP) with the LEED requirement for the HCNH James Learning Center was released in October 2004.  After rigorous competition, the building design contract was awarded to CATALYST ARCHITECTURE and the distinguished team that Ackerman assembled for the process. This team is working in concert with the HCNH staff and Executive Director Nichole Trushell toward the realization of a nationally certified green building that will function as a regional educational center for studying the natural systems and ecology of the central Arizona Highlands.

One of Trushell's key capabilities is comprehending what is needed.  Another is knowing where to find the talent to get it done.  Dr. Patricia Olson of Ecological by Design, who is also LEED certified, has been retained by HCNH to consult on the project and handle all the documentation for LEED certification of the James Learning Center.

"Patricia Olson is a savvy, practical project consultant who brings together a balance of expertise in sustainable and green building design with experience as a fantastic teacher.  She is also great to work with," declared Nichole, as she explained how all the entities are working together to bring about the realization of a long time dream-- The James Learning Center.

When contacted for this article, Dr. Patricia Olson disclosed that she is honored to be a part of the James Learning Center project and recognizes the vision of the Highlands Center and their architect, Matt Ackerman, in creating a beautiful building conceived as a multifaceted teacher.  "Fitting the building sensitively into the site, saving 200-year old trees, and providing visual access to the forest setting from inside the building allowing it to reach out to its environment and connect to place have all been achieved through the design," she acknowledged.

When the awards are handed out for the James Learning Center, there will be plenty of credit to share.  The HCNH staff chose the setting for the building on the 80 acres of Prescott National Forest land that has been provided by the U.S. Forest Service.

Designing Energy Efficiency

The butterfly roof, which virtually floats above the building, provides an unobtrusive location for photovoltaics, runoff water collection, overhangs for natural cooling, and diffused north and south daylight access and ventilation via clerestory windows immediately underneath the structure.  Columns of peeled logs support the butterfly roof.  With their tree-like structure, they suggest the majesty of the forest setting.  The building is sited with the long face to the south for optimal orientation for passive solar heating.  In winter, daytime heat gain will be supplemented as needed, by radiant heat in the floor.  During the summer, the thermal mass will be charged with the cool night air and released by day.  This designed passive cooling will be supplemented by an evaporative cooling system, as needed.  Ceiling fans are used to force airflow up or down to provide the greatest comfort at any time of the year.  Deciduous vegetation is incorporated to provide natural shading in the summer and light and heat gain in the winter.  All of this is vital in the high performance building design and engineering that is the architectural strategy for the 4,250 sq. ft. James Learning Center.  Charged to design the building to function 100% off the power grid, Matt Ackerman reported, "The energy modeling is demonstrating 70% of the building's heating and cooling needs are expected to be met passively and it could get better."

The interior design consists of the main entrance leading to a very flexible welcome center and the Benson Bookstore area, classroom/multipurpose space, administrative reception area, four office enclosures, an open work area, volunteer room, the library/conference room, and storage.  Visiting and learning about the central Arizona Highlands in this energy-efficient building is a treat we anticipate.

In the meantime the groundbreaking takes place in November.  Plan to attend upcoming activities that are of interest to you during October and early November.  You may contact HCNH at 928-776-9550 or e-mail:  highlands@cableone.net or visit the Web site www.highlandscenter.org.



Click here for more information on The James Learning Center.