Concord, NH
Description:
Formed in 1901, the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests (SPNHF) is one of New England’s oldest and most influential conservation groups. Between 1981 and 2001 SPNHF hired Banwell Architects to complete multiple projects, including the design of their new headquarters and the relocation and retrofit of an existing farmhouse to open space for their visitor’s center. The conservation group’s major priorities were to demonstrate the accessibility of sustainable building techniques, showcase timber harvested sustainably from their property, and instruct visitors in solar technology.
Features of the new facility include:
• Relocation and retrofit of existing farmhouse into visitors’ center and administrative offices
• New headquarters to demonstrate sustainable building features
• Optimal passive solar and daylighting orientation to reduce energy cost
• High-Performance envelope, ventilation, green walls, and energy recovery system for air quality
• Composting toilets and greywater recycling to eliminate need for on-site septic
• Wood chip gasifier for low-cost energy efficient heating
SPNHF has become a popular destination for school groups and other lifelong learners. Learning experiences are built into every structure and their buildings offer visitors exceptional comfort with plentiful natural lighting and elegant indoor accommodations made of sustainable wood products harvested from SPNHF land. The building achieved LEED™ Gold Certification, the first LEED™ project in New England and, at the time, one of only 12 Gold Level projects nationwide.
Size: 7,050 sf New; 11,400 sf Renovation
Project Cost: $1,794,000
Completion: 2001
Award: 2001 Awarded LEED™ Gold & NESEA Green Building Award 1st Place, “Place of Work”
