Intended to demonstrate this Quaker school’s values of environmental stewardship, the Wade Science Center features a variety of sustainable design strategies. A new two-story structure with a courtyard, the building is home to this urban independent school’s biology and chemistry labs, as well as administrative offices. Ample daylighting, millwork made from sustainable wood, a green roof, rain gardens, gray water recycling system, solar array and geothermal HVAC system all contribute to lessening the building’s overall lifecycle impact. A dashboard monitors the building’s active components, allowing students to observe the positive effects of a thoughtfully-designed facility.

Location: Philadelphia, PA
Architect: SMP Architects
Photography: Halkin | Mason Photography