PROJECT  Preservation Green Horticultural Design Center

LOCATION  Oxford, , 

PROJECT COMPLETION DATE  6/12/2013

ARCHITECT  Preservation Green LLC

ASSOCIATED ARCHITECT  Philip Logan AIA LEEP AP

OWNER/CLIENT  Sempervivum, LLC

CONTRACTOR  William Shannahan III

PHOTOGRAPHER  Philip Logan, Neil Landino

DESIGN TEAM  Philip Logan AIA LEED AP, Barbara Paca Ph.D. ASLA

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT:

AIA Chesapeake Bay Excellence in Design Awards for 2015 Preservation Green Horticultural Research Center Located at 103 Mill Street, Oxford, MD Commercial Design and Research Center for a Private Owner Project Synopsis: The Preservation Green Horticultural Research Center, located at 103 Mill Street, was the first phase of a two-building commercial construction project. Together with 101 Mill Street, the intent was to create a quiet-use commercial research and office compound on flood prone properties in the historic town of Oxford in Talbot County on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The phased projects transformed two abandoned restaurants and one former R&B music destination frequented by enthusiasts from Washington, D.C. The surrounding homes in this predominately African American neighborhood are also low-lying and benefited from the restoration of this site. As the first phase of this project compound and the subject of this entry submission, the facility at 103 Mill Street was conceived as a private horticultural research center for a world-renowned landscape designer. It is used to explore hundreds of plant cultivars, multiple new methods of protecting the Chesapeake’s ecosystems, and the benefits of green roof applications on built structures. This facility has achieved LEED Gold status for new construction. Togther with 101 Mill Street, the compound represents sustainable environmental practices, cutting edge stormwater management, and respect for the use of organic building materials. It was also crafted with a concern for aesthetic beauty. The 103 Mill Street property, formerly a restaurant and an R&B music destination, is located in the low-lying area of the historic Eastern Shore town of Oxford, Maryland. The former restaurant with impervious gravel parking area remained derelict in the town center for years. The site would flood during every storm or high water event, causing a safety and health hazard for neighbors and community. The owner assembled a team of engineers, architects, contractors, and landscape installers to develop a design/build project focused on incorporating new sustainable technologies and revitalizing traditional methods of energy conservation and efficiency. Many of the LEED credits achieved are clear examples of the compound’s commitment to conservation and sustainable growth. Whether through the selection of recycled and re-purposed materials, new cutting edge technologies, or revitalizing traditional forms of heating, the design and process exemplified and supported “green” and sustainable principles from the beginning of design through construction and current use. The design-integrated recycled building structures, materials, and equipment from the site as well as from local salvage facilities. Antique doors were used for all interior doors, and barn siding was repurposed from structures destined for the landfill. The design also looked to incorporate sustainable and renewable energy sources such as using geothermal, photovoltaic, and passive cooling and heating. The design also introduced two masonry tile stoves as the main heating source through the winter months, using renewable firewood from the Eastern Shore forests. This traditional European heating system which features an efficiency of 85%, dates back hundreds of years and has been revived in the United States. The installation of solar panels on the rooftops is one of the key achievements of the project. The successful design of an integrated panel system, which met the approval of the Historic Commission, has become a model for other installations in the surrounding historic community. Another significant design feature was the installation of a green roof on the existing structure’s sloping and flat roof. This is the first green roof in the Town of Oxford and is being used by the owner to research and develop appropriate sedum plant combinations and layouts. In addition, the horticultural research center has a highly visible, state-of-the-art greenhouse that will become a nursery for plant production, focused on researching traditional green roof plants for greater effectiveness in building applications. In order to meet the increased demands for irrigation, the project incorporated rainwater harvesting and a capacity for collecting over 6,000 gallons in separate, discreetly placed cisterns. One of the goals was to improve Mill Street and make it better able to withstand storms and flooding by using the right combination of plants. The greening strategy has involved planting the entire length of the road on both sides with a combination of drought and heat tolerant native plants. The soil was remediated as invasive grasses were removed and replaced with a better grade of hardy perennials, shrubs, vines, and trees. Soil was mulched, and plants watered by hand. The environmental benefits of this transformation are already apparent, and the community is also able to enjoy the beautification of the street. The compound at 101 and 103 Mill Street represents a complete study of Maryland Sustainable Growth Mission in leadership and service to the local communities. The project also establishes itself as innovative by using clear built works that have transformed decaying structures and landscapes into an environment of rebirth. With proximity to Easton and other important private and non-profit organizations committed to the Chesapeake Bay and Eastern Shore conservation, this center also revives and preserves important elements of the county’s history and community.

IMAGE CAPTIONS & CREDITS

IMAGE 1  Preservation Green Horticultural Design Center and Wildlife Heritage Site, Philip Logan Photographer

IMAGE 2  Interior of the Greenhouse with Masonry Tile Stove, Philip Logan Photographer

IMAGE 3  Wildflower Meadow, Greenhouse and Shed with Green Roof, Philip Logan Photographer

IMAGE 4  The Connecting Boardwalk to 103 and 101 Mill Street, Philip Logan Photographer

IMAGE 5  The Preservation Green Design center from the North, Philip Logan Photographer

IMAGE 6  The Green Roof, Philip Logan Photographer

IMAGE 7  The Interior with Turk Tile Stove and Reclaimed Barn Wood Ceiling, Neil Landino Photography

MEDIA FOR DOWNLOAD
Project PDF