Brightwater Center

Brightwater Center brings people together to learn about water, energy and sustainability, and how these issues flow through every community. Folded planes of reclaimed wood embrace flexible teaching and gathering spaces that host an array of programs and events. Glulam beams span the central hall to provide open gathering areas. Solid wood beams and canted columns wrap the entry walkway.

BRINGING LESSONS TO LIFE

Exhibits and art installations illustrate and animate the water cycle, bringing lessons to life. Throughout the LEED Platinum certified facility, visible sustainable strategies contribute to educational programming and building performance. All heat and hot water is supplied by renewable sources, including methane heat capture from the wastewater solids digestion process on campus.

REJUVENATING THE SITE

Previously the site of a car salvage yard, the Center perches above a spectacular natural environment that extends hands-on learning beyond the building. New wetlands provide habitat and clean water for a restored salmon spawning stream, demonstrating the functionality and potential of sustainable infrastructure and ecology.