By Maeve Elder, Communication & Outreach Coordinator, Missouri Gateway Green Building Council
What does it look like when a community center embraces a community-driven, holistic approach to going green? A great answer to that question can be found in the new Five Oaks on Warson Community Center in Olivette, which I toured in July as part of our Green Building Break Series. Nestled within a beautiful sloped site in Warson Park, Five Oaks embodies the community’s vision for a place that embraces its natural setting, incorporates natural materials and maximizes connections to nature between inside and outside. Its community-driven, holistic approach ties together building, site and community infrastructure to create a sustainable community space.
The Building. Designed by KAI Design with Navigate Solutions as General Contractor, the center was developed in accordance with the community’s vision. Floor to ceiling windows in almost every space maximize daylighting and views of the surrounding park, while clerestory windows bring daylight into the gym and central lobby. These strategies not only bring the health benefits of daylight and nature views, but also minimize the reliance on artificial light, creating energy savings. Other key decisions – from sustainable material choices for floors and finishes (natural materials and materials without harmful VOCs) to efficient building systems (energy efficient HVAC and LED lighting) were guided by the project’s sustainability goals.
The Site. The project team worked with local landscape firm DTLS to implement a sustainable landscaping plan in the surrounding site and across the Olivette park system. Habitat restoration through the incorporation of native plants and trees and a bio retention pond for water management extend the project’s sustainable vision and impact into the surrounding site by promoting biodiversity, resilience and on site water management.
The Community. Another key strategy of the project involved collaborating with Great Rivers Greenway to integrate the new building with the planned extension of the Centennial Greenway. By developing the Greenway in close proximity to the building, the project was able to help create a system of connected community infrastructure. By offering opportunities for more sustainable modes of transit, this connection fosters a range of health and community benefits, including promoting physical activity on bike and foot, and through cutting back on car usage and their emissions.
Since opening in January, Five Oaks has become a thriving community hub that continues to build on its community’s sustainable vision – from a commitment to waste minimization to exhibiting nature-based art throughout that foster nature connections and wellness. Check it out when you have the chance!