Visitor Center and Administration Headquarters, Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge (Sherwood, OR)

Department of the Interior

The Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Wildlife Center and Administration Buildings are made from engineered wood from fast-growing trees and recycled building materials, and 90 percent of waste was recycled during construction. Native landscapes were restored, and water is supplied on-site by existing wells. Pervious concrete allows water to run back into the pond while providing adequate structural support without the need for drainage ditches. The buildings incorporate numerous passive solar energy-saving features, including daylighting and super-insulated pre-cast thermal mass walls, cool roofs, low-e exterior windows, high efficiency lighting, and high efficiency heat pumps and exhaust systems. The facility is estimated to use 75 percent less energy than a similar conventional building and is on target to receive LEED Silver certification.