CMH Architects LEED Projects: M. Miller Gorrie Center

Completed in 2006, the M. Miller Gorrie Center is the first LEED certified building at Auburn University and provides a unique learning environment for students studying Building Science. It recently earned the first USGBC LEED Gold Certification in the state of Alabama. To achieve this certification, the building’s south facing orientation maximizes use of “daylighting”- capturing natural light to illuminate interior spaces. Other energy efficient features include aluminum “fins” for sun shading, light shelves to provide additional natural light, and large overhangs to shade in the south facing office glazing. Building Science students will pursue their studies in a structure that is created to be a teaching tool. Some mechanical systems were left exposed to reveal the workings of those systems. Where possible, structural supporting elements are visible illustrating principles of structural engineering. The three-story building features a glass-enclosed stair emphasizing interior & exterior visibility to encourage students to use the stairway rather than the elevator. Recently, Auburn University compared the utility usage of the LEED Gold– Gorrie Center with that of nine other similar buildings on campus. They found that the Gorrie Center used 40% less electricity, 48% less chilled water for the HVAC system and 27% less domestic water.

CMH Architects is a full service architecture firm in Birmingham, Alabama specializing in retail, commercial, institutional, and educational architectural design and master planning for clients nationwide.