Appalachian State University broke ground in July of 2023 on the $61.5 million Conservatory for Biodiversity Education and Research in Boone, N.C. Designed by Lord Aeck Sargent, the 50,000-sf facility will provide sophisticated venues for environmental science education and discovery. Flexible classrooms with built-in dividers will accommodate a range of programs, complemented by a full suite of biology labs. Supporting K-12 educational partnerships, the public-facing project will foster a greater understanding of the natural and cultural history of the Southern Appalachian region. The main conservatory will house four different climate zones, while large event venues with garage-style glass doors will allow gatherings to flow into the surrounding gardens.
The net-zero energy structure will be among the nation’s first academic research centers built to the rigorous sustainability standards of the Living Building Challenge. The project is being delivered by a joint venture of Muter Construction and Greene Construction for a contract value of $54 million. Occupancy is slated for fall of 2025.
The Conservatory for Biodiversity Education and Research will anchor App State’s Innovation District, where students, faculty, and staff will engage in collaborative development with industry partners. Ground was ceremonially broken in March of 2022 on the first phase of construction, which includes a zero-carbon district energy system and over 150 multifamily residential units.
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Lord Aeck Sargent
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Architect
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Muter Construction
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Joint-Venture Contractor
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Greene Construction
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Joint-Venture Contractor
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