Indian Creek Nature Center; Amazing Space

Project Overview

Built as an interactive discovery center as well as a model for sustainable design, Indian Creek Nature Center; Amazing Space, an educational and administrative building in Cedar Rapids, is one of only 34 buildings in the world to receive the rigorous Living Building Challenge (LBC) Petal Certification from the International Living Future Institute (ILFI). Amazing Space is the only Petal Certified nature center building in the world and meets six of the seven standards: a site that coexists with nature, water independence, energy independence, promotion of physical and psychological health, supporting a just and equitable world, and beautiful design.

UNIQUE FEATURES 

Interior layout includes classrooms, a 150-person auditorium, offices, an interactive watershed table, a solar energy portal, a gift shop, and a bird room equipped with outdoor speakers
Energy generation relies on 350 photovoltaic roof- and ground-mounted solar panels to supply 100% of the center’s power
Climate systems feature geothermal heating and cooling paired with solar-thermal water heating to sustain the facility
Water reclamation systems service the entire building and fill a 20,000-gallon tank dedicated to fire suppression
Restroom wastewater undergoes complete filtration and processing on location
Green lights notify occupants when outdoor temperature and humidity are appropriate for opening windows
Nature-inspired design elements highlight the aesthetic throughout the building
Building materials originate almost entirely from regional suppliers within 500 miles

OUTCOMES

Doubled attendance at the nature reserve after the building’s construction
Expanded the center’s programs and their relevance to the community while serving as an example of sustainable architecture and construction
Recognized as the only Petal-certified building in Iowa, the most stringent building material sustainability certification in the world