Stunning GreenZone prefab is a showcase of sustainability for Baltimore

The epicenter of the recent Baltimore riots could soon turn into an <a href="http://www.bdcnetwork.com/greenzone2015/" target="_blank">“epicenter of opportunity”</a> thanks to a stunning new prefab project that recently debuted at Greenbuild. <a href="http://www.bdcnetwork.com" target="_blank">Building Design+Construction Magazine</a> (BDC) teamed up with <a href="http://www.zigersnead.com/" target="_blank">Zigner/Snead Architects</a>, the <a href="http://www.usgbc.org" target="_blank">U.S. Green Building Council</a>, and <a href="www.modulargenius.com" target="_blank">Modular Genius</a> to design and build BDC’s annual Greenbuild GreenZone demonstration building: the Green Workforce Development Center, a modular structure for the local nonprofit Parks & People in the Mondawmin community. Designed to LEED standards, the 588-square-foot prefab facility will harvest rainwater, maximize daylighting, and teach the public about energy-saving design.

The large multipurpose meeting room.

Wall components, such as the insulation, are left exposed for educational purposes.

One face of the home is lined with cedar shake siding.

The rainwater slides off the mono-pitched roof into a rainwater collection system.

Clad in cedar shakes and highly reflective corrugated metal panels that extend up to the roof

The Green Workforce Development Center, which is expected to open spring 2016, will serve as a flexible educational and workshop space for the nonprofit’s most active programs, including BRANCHES, a green job training initiative for Baltimore’s underserved youth.

Picture of the bathroom with low-flow fixtures.

The kitchenette is outfitted with energy-saving appliances.

The washroom.

Operable Mechosystem shades will automatically adjust in response to cloud cover readings by weather data radiometers installed on the roof.

MechoSystems' system for its automated shades.

The radiometer that will be installed on the roof when the project is moved to the urban campus.

Every year as part of Greenbuild’s GreenZone, BDC enlists the help of generous sponsors to construct an environmentally friendly building for a local non-profit.

Glazed openings are strategically placed to permit views to penetrate through the house to the outdoors, thus maintaining a connection with nature.

KOHLER low-flow hands-free faucet.

Lockers for storage.

The prefab Green Workforce Development Center will join the campus next spring and increase the percentage of the urban campus dedicated to public use.

Daylighting Diagram

Green Workforce Development Center Sustainability Diagram

Green Workforce Development Center plan view

Rendering of the prefab structure on campus.

Parks & People campus site plan.