the omega center for sustainable living commissioned american firm BNIM to design a new education facility integrated for them. the project overhauls the current wastewater disposal system for the entire 195-acre rhinebeck campus by using biological methods of treatment via an eco machine. as part of a larger effort to educate visitors, staff and local community on innovative wastewater strategies, the project showcases the system in a building that houses both the primary treatment cells and a classroom/laboratory.
all images courtesy of BNIM
in addition to using the treated water for garden irrigation and in a greywater recovery system, omega will use the system and building as a teaching tool in their educational program designed around the ecological impact of their campus.
the constructed wetlands in the building
the facility contains a classroom, laboratory, water garden, and a constructed wetland which supplies all of its own energy needs using photovoltaic power, and is carbon neutral. the self sustaining, high-thermal mass building uses passive solar heating supplemented by geothermal heating as needed, and employs natural ventilation cooling strategies.
the photovolatic cells
the garden area
the facility in the evening
