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Exterior view of a modern building with large glass windows, showcasing a walkway leading to a green lawn and trees. Tables are set up inside the building, with blue tablecloths visible.

The Garden Room at the National Aviary

Allegheny County, Pennsylvania

The sustainably built Garden Room supports the National Aviary's vision of providing engaging, educational, and impactful experiences that inspire visitors to embrace and appreciate nature and birds.

Project Description

The Garden Room project was led by The National Aviary in partnership with Perfido Weiskopf Wagstaff + Goettel (PWWG) and Jendoco Construction Corporation. The space’s LEED Gold certification and high-quality sustainability features – including an updated stormwater management system – add to the appeal of the venue. To improve indoor air quality, the project team chose products and materials with low- and no volatile organic compounds including paint, adhesives, and acoustic wall panels. Visitors are drawn to the wonderfully designed light-refracting tubular skylights that reduce energy consumption through daylighting, while elegantly designed stone fireplaces anchor each side of the open meeting space. The space itself looks out onto The Rose Garden, a historic garden that was rehabilitated to preserve the historic landscape of the nearby Allegheny Commons Park and Lake Elizabeth. From the organic design of the retaining wall to the peaceful landscaping, the space was created as a place for reflection and relaxation. Another distinct sustainable feature is the AviProtek® window system by Vitro Architectural Glass, accompanied by Walker Glass’s bird-safe treatment. The glass is used on three walls of the Garden Room, offering views of the Rose Garden and other park features. The energy-efficient AviProtek® windows were specifically chosen by architects Perfido Weiskopf Wagstaff + Goettel (PWWG) because they provide a bird friendly glass system incorporates acid-etched designs on the surface of the glass, making the glass visible to birds as a solid surface. Additionally, the windows can remain closed for a structured but comfortable meeting space or open completely to provide fresh air and access to The Rose Garden and park.

Completed

2020

Municipality

City of Pittsburgh

Neighborhood

North Side

Certifications

LEED Gold

Key Green Features

2030 District Partner
Accessible & Universal Design
Accessible to Transit
Biophilic Design
Bird-Friendly Design
Community Engagement
Construction Waste Diversion
Daylighting
Efficient Energy Systems
Green Power Purchasing
Heat Island Reduction
Indoor Air Quality Monitoring
Integrative Design
Materials Selection (Healthy)
Rainwater Collection
Stormwater Management
Systems Commissioning

Building Use

Assembly
Education
Entertainment
Multi-Use

Awards Received

Top Project of the Year Award (Environment + Energy Leader)

Building Size

8,700

Building Owner

National Aviary

Project Team

Moore Design Associates, CJL Engineering, Taylor Structural Engineers, Moore Design Associates, Morgan Property & Construction Consultants, Perfido Weiskopf Wagstaff + Goettel, Jendoco Construction, Vitro Glass