The Living Learning Center is a 3,000 SF research and classroom facility for Washington University Tyson Research Center, a 2,000 acre forested biology research site in Eureka, MO. The building houses a large multi-purpose classroom, a computer lab, office space, and a large outdoor deck creating an indoor/outdoor classroom space.

LLC was tied for the first building in the world to be certified a Living Building through the International Living Future Institute, a feat only four buildings have achieved as of June 2013. Two of the main prerequisites for this certification are net-zero energy and net-zero water. Net-zero energy was achieved by reducing the building’s energy load and by using a grid-tied photovoltaic system. Operable windows and fans create cross ventilation which greatly reduces the energy load required by the HVAC system. Net zero water use was achieved by collecting rainwater and treating it non-chemically for potable water use as well as eliminating water use by introducing composting toilets.

In addition, all materials had to be local or regional based upon the density of the material and all of the wood used had to be sustainably harvested. All of the framing lumber is FSC certified and all finish wood was harvested from Tyson’s site as part of a restoration plan or taken from trees that were fallen, dead, or dying. The exterior of the building is clad in eastern red cedar siding and the interior features maple, walnut, ash, oak, and hickory wood.