Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh is a testament to sustainable architecture and environmental stewardship. Designed by IKM Architecture and landscaped by Andropogon Associates, this iconic landmark achieved numerous certifications including The Living Building Challenge, LEED Platinum, WELL Building Platinum, Zero Energy Certification, SITES Platinum, Fitwel 3 Star, and BREEAM Outstanding In-Use.
IKM Architecture
IKM Architecture is a leading architectural firm based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Known for its commitment to design excellence and sustainability, IKM Architecture specializes in a diverse range of projects across commercial, institutional, healthcare, and residential sectors.
Turner Construction
Turner Construction Company is a leading construction management firm headquartered in New York City. With a history spanning more than a century, Turner Construction is recognized for its expertise in delivering complex and iconic projects across various sectors.
Project Details
Product Used: Decking / Interior Siding / Boardwalk
Awards and Recognition
The Living Building Challenge, LEED Platinum, WELL Building Platinum, Zero Energy Certification, SITES Platinum, Fitwel 3 Star and BREEAM Outstanding In-Use.
Press
The Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is widely recognized as one of the greenest buildings in the world and a shining example of how architecture can coexist harmoniously with nature. Completed in 2006, the project was designed by IKM Architecture in collaboration with Andropogon Associates as landscape architects, and built by Turner Construction. From its inception, the Conservatory was envisioned not only as a cultural landmark but also as a living demonstration of environmental stewardship and sustainable building practices. At the heart of the project’s material choices lies the use of deck boards, decking, and deck wood crafted from Black Locust Lumber. Known for its durability and resistance to decay, Black Locust was selected for the decking, interior siding, and boardwalks throughout the gardens. This choice was far more than an aesthetic decision—it reflected Phipps’ long-term commitment to sustainability. The naturally rot-resistant wood provided an environmentally responsible alternative to chemically treated lumber or imported tropical hardwoods, ensuring that every step visitors take across the decking is grounded in ecological responsibility. The integration of wood into both indoor and outdoor spaces adds a warm, natural character that connects guests to the surrounding gardens and landscapes. The decking and boardwalks invite visitors to wander through lush plant collections, creating seamless transitions between built environments and natural ones. Indoors, the use of deck wood and siding provides texture and authenticity, reinforcing the Conservatory’s mission to celebrate both design and the living world. Phipps’ holistic sustainability vision has been recognized with numerous awards and certifications. It is one of the few projects worldwide to achieve The Living Building Challenge, and it also holds LEED Platinum, WELL Building Platinum, Zero Energy Certification, SITES Platinum, Fitwel 3 Star, and BREEAM Outstanding In-Use. These achievements reflect not just excellence in energy performance and water management, but also a dedication to human health, biodiversity, and long-term resilience. The Phipps Conservatory project demonstrates how thoughtful material choices, such as using sustainably sourced deck boards and decking, can have a profound impact on the success of green building initiatives. Today, it remains an iconic landmark and a living example of how architectural innovation and ecological balance can create places of beauty, function, and inspiration for generations to come.
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