The Kohler Environmental Center, a leading environmental research and education center, opened in 2011.
The home of Choate’s cutting-edge environmental research and education program, the Kohler Environmental Center (KEC), was awarded the 2017 AIA/CAE Educational Facility Design Award of Excellence by the American Institute of Architects on Wednesday, April 26. AIA’s awards committee chair wrote in a letter, “If you believe, as I do, that how we build reflects our deepest values and in turn shapes those who engage with our work, I cannot think of a more important project type. You touch the lives of young people. What a responsibility, but what a privilege and honor.”
The KEC, a 31,325-square foot academic and residential center, designed to attain LEED Platinum certification and net-zero energy usage, has enhanced the educational experience for Choate students, especially those interested in conservation and environmental science. Associate Headmaster Ms. Kathleen Wallace said, “Some schools build environmentally responsible buildings; some schools teach environmental responsibility. At Choate Rosemary Hall, the KEC brings these two objectives together.”
The Award of Excellence recognizes architectural designs that create state-of-the-art learning environments. The KEC demonstrates outstanding practices in the major facets of educational facility design. It integrates the functional needs and aesthetic details of the building, while respecting the surrounding environment. Mr. Joe Scanio, the KEC’s Program Director, said, “What is special about this award is that it is not just for the structure of the building; the award also considers how the structure meets the needs of the program.”
Winning the well-renowned award offers an opportunity for the KEC to be nationally recognized. Ms. Wallace said, “I am thrilled that the KEC won this award. I believe that it is truly an amazing award.”
The Saturday after the award was given, Mr. Graham Wyatt and Mr. Kevin Smith, two partners of Robert A.M. Stern Architects, along with Mr. Scanio and Ms. Wallace, attended a reception as part of the American Institute of Architects’ National Convention in Orlando, Fla. Mr. Wyatt, Mr. Smith, Mr. Scanio, and Ms. Wallace held a presentation regarding the facilities and goals of this environmental project. Mr. Scanio explained, “”We hope that the KEC’s receiving of this award will inspire other architects and schools to build similar structures. This will help to spread beautiful and sustainable architecture throughout the educational community.”
One hundred percent of the building’s energy is generated from a 294-kilowatt photovoltaic array, solar panels, and waste cooking oil. Mr. Wyatt said, “When Choate approached our firm about the design of a net-zero, LEED Platinum environmental center, their project mission was clear.”
Located in 268 acres of agricultural, second-growth forest and wetland east of the Choate campus, the KEC allows students to explore the land’s natural habitats and ecosystem. Ms. Wallace said, “The land, after all, is our largest classroom and laboratory.” Conducting research in laboratories and growing plants year-round in a computer controlled greenhouse grants unlimited opportunities for students to pursue intensive environmental study and research. Ms. Wallace continued, “We implemented an environmental program that is itself environmentally sustainable and does not exacerbate the environmental impact of the school.”
The architects established an energy budget based on known user behaviors and characteristics of high-efficiency building systems. The KEC is designed to have natural light ventilation, as well as a highly effective building envelope. The solar panels optimize the building’s performances, while the monitoring system encourages students to exercise individual and collective initiative to minimize their energy consumption.
