The Waterfront Botanical Gardens Phase 1C project marks the construction of the second building on the 23-acre site. The new Ellen T. Leslie Botanical Garden Classroom is a 6,000-square-foot facility designed to support education, horticulture staff, interns, and volunteers. At the heart of the building is a flexible learning lab that can accommodate up to 50 students, providing a dynamic environment for a wide range of horticultural programming and community engagement.
A key design focus for the project was the HVAC system, which needed to accommodate the building’s unique usage. Energy efficiency was prioritized by selecting high-efficiency equipment, and an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) was installed to recapture energy from exhaust air and use it to pre-condition ventilation air. In the classroom, exposed ductwork and high-volume, low-speed (HVLS) fans were coordinated with suspended light fixtures to create a distinctive open-ceiling aesthetic that supports the building’s educational mission.
The electrical and lighting systems were tailored to support both the greenhouse and classroom functions. High-efficiency LED lighting was used throughout, including color-changing DMX-controlled fixtures in the greenhouse to create a dramatic glow effect. A/V design was incorporated to support video conferencing and instruction. The greenhouse was outfitted with environmental controls, including roof vents, motorized shades, fog pumps, and climate controllers, all of which provided hands-on learning opportunities for school groups, private events, and educational tours.