"A Woman Owned Small Business"

Case Study

The Sweetwater Creek State Visitor and Interpretive Center

Lithia Springs, Ga.
Size: 8,743 SF
Date of completion: 2006

CxGBS Services:

Holistic Commissioning®, Energy Modeling, Construction Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Management Plan

Project Overview:

 

p-Sweetwater.jpgDuring the 1960s, local visionaries living in and around Douglas County, Ga., recognized the need to protect the “Factory Shoals” area of Sweetwater Creek, a peaceful tract of land located just minutes from downtown Atlanta. The site contained the ruins of the New Manchester Manufacturing Company, destroyed by Sherman’s troops during the Civil War.

Sweetwater Creek State Park was created in 1972, but lacked a central facility that would interpret the historical significance and value of the property. A Visitor and Interpretive Center, built through the efforts of community and neighborhood volunteers, serves as a model of environmentally friendly design, construction and operation. It received the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) platinum certification in the southeast.

Sustainable Design Features:

  • A composting toilet system that eliminates the need for a large, onsite wastewater system
  • A high-efficiency heat pump system that provides an optimum indoor environment, minimizing heating and cooling operating costs
  • Light-colored surfaces and a vegetated roof minimize the heat island effect
  • Native and adaptive landscaping that eliminates the need for an irrigation system

Team:

  • Owner: Georgia Department of Natural Resources
  • Contractor: Mooney Construction
  • Architect: Gerding Architects
  • Commissioning: Commissioning & Green Building Solutions, Inc.
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Photo courtesy of Gerding Collaborative