This LEED Silver Certified project was a partnership between George Mason University, Lincoln Properties and Belmont Bay LLC that provided George Mason University with a new 52,920 square foot laboratory and classroom at the shores of the Potomac River and the Occoquan River.  With a strong  focus on conservation and exploration of the surrounding eco-system, the project included an expansive boardwalk that wrapped the eastern and northern faces of the building, which transitioned into a stationary dock out into the river.  The boardwalk transitions into a pavilion area that features a living wall and flowing water features.  All of the features allow visitors, students, and researchers access to an adjacent pond and the Potomac River.  All of these elements made this land development a win for George Mason University.

The building includes an Exhibit Hall, Lecture Hall, Classrooms, Research Labs, Teaching Labs, and Offices to house the Department of Geoinformatics and the Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center (PEREC) of George Mason University.  These spaces are constructed with LEED certified products and is conditioned with a DOAS HVAC system allowing occupants improved individual cooling and heating accommodations.  Large glass openings provide occupants with beautiful views of the surround natural elements and improve natural light in the building to reduce artificial lighting needs, thus reducing power consumption.  These green building components truly help connect the University’s Environmental Research program with local eco-system.