the nature conservancy in alabama

Birmingham, Alabama

This vibrant renovation embraced the challenge to create an energized presence and home for this wide-reaching statewide nonprofit that has historically had a quiet public presence. The goal was to transform a once-dilapidated building into a beacon of sustainable innovation that embraces adaptive reuse, honors the old structure, and reflects their global mission to create a world where people and nature can thrive in a responsible development.

The severely dilapidated building challenged the concept of conservation and required a specific strategy to embrace conserving what was feasible, combined with a sustainable approach to transform the building with a light touch that would illustrate effective conservation and remain resilient for decades to come. Inside the masonry walls a new roof and infill structure was required, which is comprised of regionally-sourced wood I-joists and LVL members harvested from small, fast-growing renewable resources. Solar tubes were used throughout to disperse diffuse light and reduce lighting loads. As a demonstration, bird-friendly screening was provided on the exterior glass, the use of a water cistern and bioswales, upcoming implementation of rooftop solar panels, and renewable finishes used throughout empower individuals to adopt sustainable habits and foster a culture of responsible development. Concurrent with the project, community engagement and educational programs along with guided tours are conducted to raise awareness about sustainable construction practices and environmental stewardship.

Internally, the space fosters collaboration among diverse stakeholders and functions including workspace, community gathering and event spaces, and warehouse space for work on large equipment.

Externally, creating a heightened eye-catching presence and impact for the nonprofit along a busy traffic corridor was a key challenge. Taking cues from the old painted graphics on the building that made it familiar to the community for decades, the new logo envelopes the façade and wraps the corner as a visually striking and cost-effective solution.