U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Research Support Center

The Research Support Center, located on the EPA's Gulf Breeze, FL campus, provides a new office and computer resource building to replace existing structures damaged by Hurricane Ivan. The Center houses 21 employees and features a contextual design which echoes the historically significant structures on campus.

Sustainability was at the forefront of design, and the Center ultimately achieved USGBC LEED "Silver" Certification. Sustainable elements include numerous large windows and clearstories to allow daylight into the building; with areas of concentrated sun exposure protected by large verandas to reduce the heat from the passing sun. Occupancy sensors were incorporated in order to minimize the use of electricity throughout the building. A selection of locally available materials, a cistern that collects rainwater for flushing toilets in the facility, and a high efficiency HVAC system were also included within the project's design.