- Inhabitat – Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building - https://inhabitat.com -

Desert-Topped Gateway Building Blends in with Magestic McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Posted By Tafline Laylin On In Architecture,Automotive,Environment,Renewable Energy,Solar | Comments Disabled

[gallery_extend]

green building, net zero, green design, eco-design, sustainable design, rainwater harvesting, LEED, Platinum, Gateway, McDowell Sonoran Preserve, weddle gilmore black rock studio, biking, hiking, rammed earth, recycled materials, solar energy, water efficiency

Paying tribute to its location, the Gateway is constructed from rammed earth, although it is every bit as energy efficient and cool as any modern home. Ninety percent of its construction materials were sent to be recycled and its energy is produced with an 18KW solar-energy system. As such, the LEED certified building has a net-zero impact.

Everybody knows the desert is dry, but it won’t be here. A clever rainwater harvesting system combined with an underground storage cistern will ensure that 100% of the landscaping can be done without undue stress on existing water supplies. Dual-flush toilets and waterless urinals further ensure that the Gateway’s water footprint is kept to a minimum.

+ Weddle Gilmore Black Rock Studio

Via Arch Daily

images via Bill Timmerman,Chris Brown