Submitted by Big-D Construction
The Swaner Eco Center is a $4.6-million, 10,000-sq-ft, state-of-the-art facility that features exhibits, a contemporary theater, classrooms, space for private gatherings, a gift shop, an interactive climbing wall, a 400-ft pier, two decks and a four-story tower that overlooks the 1,200 acres of land owned and permanently protected by Swaner.
Known as the greenest building in Utah, the Swaner Eco Center was designed to achieve LEED-Platinum certification. The Swaner Eco Center achieved all 61 credits the project pursued. Key green building features include: a water reclamation system, photovoltaic solar panels, solar hot water heating panels, rapidly renewable products throughout the building, reclaimed products utilized for timber framing, waterless urinals, pervious paving.
Owner: Swaner Nature Preserve
Contractor: Big-D Construction
Design Firm: CRSA
Start: July 2007
Finish: Oct. 2008
The building boasts 75% of all materials from recycled or renewable resources and achieves 90% water savings and 54% energy savings. It is a showcase for sustainable building practices on a national scale; a stage for local, national and global environmental messages and a place that inspires and empowers all who visit.
