Community Ecology Institute, Gray-Howell Community Engagement Center

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

Completed in Spring 2023, The Gray-Howell Community Engagement Center in Columbia, Maryland, was a retrofit of an existing, unfinished timber frame ‘barn.’ No utilities, many leaks, no finishes and no second floor insulation.

energy + iaq:

We retrofit the building to be 60% more efficient through whole building air sealing, insulation upgrade, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, an ERV, and extended southern shading.

When Phase II solar panels are installed, the building will be Net Zero.

materials + iaq:

Many of the finish materials used were salvaged or donated. No foam was used on the energy upgrades of this project.

water:

Water efficient fixtures were installed, including dual-flush toilets, capture of condensate, rain cisterns for farm irrigation, and stub-ins for a future graywater capture system.

site:

The Farm design and operation are based in permaculture and restorative principles.