The Kendeda Building for Innovative Sustainable Design

The Kendeda Building for Innovative Sustainable Design at Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia, is a leading example of eco-friendly architecture that leverages reused and repurposed materials to create a sustainable, resource-efficient building. Completed in 2019, the Kendeda Building is the first Living Building Challenge-certifiedstructure in the Southeast United States, meeting the strictest standards in sustainable design and net-positive energy and water use. This project emphasizes the potential of eco-conscious construction practices and showcases how sustainable design can benefit both the environment and the community.

Design Goals and Vision

The goal of the Kendeda Building was to create a space that would not only serve as an educational center but also demonstrate regenerative design principles, setting a new standard in sustainable architecture. As a Living Building Challenge project, it had to meet stringent criteria for energy, water, and material use. This required incorporating as many reused and locally sourced materials as possible, all while minimizing waste and promoting resource circularity.

Key Eco-Friendly Features

Reclaimed Materials: The Kendeda Building used an extensive array of reclaimed materials, including salvaged wood from movie sets and waste sources, which was repurposed for structural and decorative elements throughout the building. Flooring, trim, and wall panels were crafted from reclaimed wood, giving the building a warm aesthetic while reducing the need for newly sourced timber.
Recycled Steel and Concrete: Steel and concrete used in the structure incorporated recycled content, reducing the carbon footprint of these traditionally resource-heavy materials. The structural steel framing and concrete flooring are partially composed of recycled materials, contributing to the overall sustainability of the project.
Innovative Rainwater Collection: The Kendeda Building is designed to be net-positive in terms of water usage, collecting and filtering rainwater to provide all of the building’s water needs. This system captures rainwater from the roof, filters it, and uses it throughout the building, including for potable water, which significantly reduces its impact on local water resources.
Solar Power Generation: With a solar array on the rooftop, the Kendeda Building generates more energy than it consumes, allowing it to maintain net-positive energy use. This reliance on renewable energy supports its commitment to eco-friendly practices and allows the building to operate without drawing power from nonrenewable sources.
Living Roof: The building’s rooftop garden, or “living roof,” features local plant species that support biodiversity, manage stormwater runoff, and reduce heat absorption. This living roof not only contributes to the building’s sustainability but also serves as a habitat for native flora and fauna, enhancing the local ecosystem.

Environmental and Economic Impact

The Kendeda Building’s use of recycled and salvaged materials significantly reduced the environmental impact associated with producing new materials, and it also demonstrated the cost-effectiveness of reusing materials. By prioritizing reclaimed resources, the project minimized waste and created a closed-loop system where resources were conserved rather than depleted.

Operating as a net-positive building for both energy and water, the Kendeda Building serves as a model for sustainable infrastructure. Its innovative approach to resource efficiency and its focus on community well-being make it an exemplary project for future sustainable design.

The Kendeda Building at Georgia Tech proves that eco-friendly design and reused materials can be integrated successfully into large-scale, functional spaces. By combining sustainable materials with regenerative design, this project sets an inspiring example for architects, engineers, and builders aiming to make a positive impact on the environment. Through its creative use of reclaimed resources and its commitment to energy and water efficiency, the Kendeda Building continues to push the boundaries of sustainable architecture.