While most sewage treatment plants are separated from their communities by a chain link fence, the LOTT Regional Services Center actively engages the public. LOTT has received LEED Platinum certification and includes an exhibition gallery and classroom for water education, a 200-seat board room, renovated labs and an administration tower. It is the first phase of a key city development that includes a children’s museum with a public plaza and future mixed-use buildings. The building actively “mines” the adjacent sewage treatment plant for methane, a low temperature water loop for heating and cooling, and Reclaimed Class A water — which is then pumped back into the city for irrigation. The center uses a small portion of the water for ponds, irrigation, green roofs and toilet flushing. In addition, reclaimed wood from a nearby demolished warehouse was re-milled and used for ceilings.

The building expression is derived from the industrial port nature of the surrounding site and in response to solar orientation. Each elevation has been carefully analyzed to maximize shading, passive solar potential and day lighting. Each tower floor plate houses specific users groups; the tower plan assures that all spaces are less than 30 feet from exterior glazing. The west elevation uses automated external louvers that adjust to time and seasons and are fully retractable. The east is minimally glazed and encloses core functions. The south elevation glazing includes horizontal sun screens for shading and light shelves, while the north is open to Olympic Mountain views.

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