Building 1: The Barn at Falling Water

This barn in western Pennsylvania lies on land adjacent to Frank Lloyd Wright's famous Fallingwater house -- a structure acclaimed for its artistic appeal and use of the natural landscape. In keeping with Fallingwater's brilliant integration of nature and civilization, the Western Pennsylvania Conservatory (WPC) uses the barn as a both a forum and example for visitors to learn about green building. It also holds community social events, such as barn dances, during its three-season availability. Originally built in the 19th century, the WPC had the barn renovated to become sustainable as a way to reflect their mission to connect the community to nature.

hands under faucet
Janis Christie/Getty Images
Low flow faucets, which restrict the amount of water that comes out, are common in sustainable buildings.

Among its numerous energy efficient methods, the barn uses a geothermal heat pump for heating and cooling needs. This device minimizes the need for fossil fuels by using the earth's ground as a source of heat in the winter and a place to get rid of heat in the winter. Other tools include sensors that shut off lights when a room is empty and when sunlight is sufficient to light a room. To preserve water, the facility recycles gray water. It also employs low flow fixtures that allow it to use less water to perform the same tasks. Using these has resulted in reducing the consumption of potable water by as much as 71 percent [source: AIA]. Bioswales, ditches that catch water and reroute it, also allow the facility to use water runoff from parking lots. In addition, the sprayed-on polyurethane insulation materials used in the barn are HCFC-free. HCFCs, or Hydrochlorofluorocarbons, are harmful to the ozone [source: EPA]. Other parts of the barn use straw bale insulation as well.

Striving to stay environmentally conscious from the outset, the construction teams were able to recycle 81 percent of the trash that resulted from renovation [source: AIA]. In addition, the site provides shaded parking for idle buses visiting the Fallingwater house so that they use less air conditioning.

So, have we whetted your appetite for sustainable design? If so, read the HowStuffWorks links on the next page to increase your green building education.