Location: 
Houston, Texas
Total Square Feet: 22,265
Construction Period: May 2003 to Mar 2004 

CONSTRUCTION TEAM
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER: Ingenium Inc. - 7700 San Felipe, #110, Houston, TX 77063
GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Fretz Construction Company - 6301 Long Drive, Houston, TX 77087
ELECTRICAL & MECHANICAL ENGINEER: SEi Companies - 2424 Wilcrest Drive, #200, Houston, TX 77042
LANDSCAPE DESIGNER: Home and Habitat - 1707 Ojeman Road, Houston, TX 77055

Emerson Unitarian Church wanted their new educational building to reflect a strong environmental ethic and serve as a wise investment, but was unsure if they could afford a "green building."

The new building needed to enhance the existing campus's mature landscape, architecture, and spirit. Emerson's sanctuary was heavily influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright's Unity Temple, and the congregation takes their name from Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Working with off-the-shelf technologies and products and with a limited budget, Bailey Architects designed a sustainable building and site that will deliver long-term savings in operating costs and maintenance, while still meeting the goals of the congregation. The end result is a building that is over 30% more efficient than a standard building, earning Emerson an estimated savings, just in utility costs, of over $12,000 annually.

The design team, including architects, owner, engineers, and landscape designers, worked together to ensure the use of environmentally sensitive building materials, construction processes, and operations and maintenance procedures. The general contractor was able to manage construction activities to meet stringent indoor air quality standards, minimize disturbance to the existing landscape, and recycle almost 75% of the construction and demolition waste. The landscape designer created a landscape plan that uses native plants to conserve water, attract wildlife, and provide opportunities for environmental learning.

Emerson Church Education Building is the first liturgical education building in the United States to be LEED(R) Certified by the U.S. Green Building Council. The new building provides Emerson an opportunity to practice what they preach and see concrete returns on their investment in environmental sustainability.

MANUFACTURERS/SUPPLIERS
DIV 07: Metal Canopies: Avadek.
DIV 08: Plastic Laminate Doors: VT Industries.
DIV 14: Elevators: ThyssenKrupp.