Why FSC Was Important to This Project
The Audubon Center at Debs Park is the first of hundreds of urban nature centers planned by the National Audubon Society for completion over the next several decades. The centers aim to bring nature to inner-city children and families with few opportunities to leave the city and experience, learn and value nature. With this in mind, the design team sought to create a building that complemented the landscape, thus blending into the environment, and could act as a staging area for the activities in the courtyards, gardens and trails.
 The Center sought to achieve a high level of sustainability in every aspect of design, including restoration of the native landscape, offthe- grid 100% solar power, and on-site storm water detention. As part of this concept, materials selection was designed to reduce impacts on forest habitats for birds and other wildlife by using FSC-certified wood, and by using composite wood products that make use of chips and other wood waste.
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Project Name: The Audubon Center At Debs Park
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Building Type: Nature Center
Square Footage: 6747
Owner: The National Audubon Society
Architect: EHDD Architecture
Use of FSC-certified Wood
Of the wood-based products used in this project, 54% (by cost) were FSC-certified. These products include: Redwood and Douglas Fir lumber, window sun shades, the utility enclosure, garden bridges, and landscape features; CDX plywood roof sheathing; and Western Hemlock hardwood trim. Wood was selected over metals for key parts of pergolas, railings, and similar structures such as exterior window sun shades because it remains comfortable to the touch, for plants as well as people, in hot weather.
All exterior solid wood used on the project was FSCcertified. Solid lumber was used outside to maximize weather resistance. The CDX plywood was readily available at a local major builders’ supply store.
FSC-certified wood products helped the Audubon Center at Debs Park earn five credits in the LEED green building rating system, and \consequently achieve a LEED v2 Platinum rating, the first in the country, and second in the world. |
