Repass Ocean Science Center
The Repass Ocean Science Center was designed by Raleigh architect Frank Harmon to meet the highest standards for energy and environmental efficiency adopted by the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED™ program. The building was dedicated in November of 2006 and earned LEED Platinum Certification.
Sustainable Site Features
This teaching facility includes zinc roofs, designed to weather the coastal conditions for 100 years, native landscaping and permeable sidewalks. Teleconferencing technology was incorporated early in the design process to connect the Marine Lab with the University's Durham campus, minimizing the need for inter-campus travel.
Cisterns capture all of the rainwater from the building's roof. Native landscaping mitigates erosion and eliminates the need for landscape irrigation, while permeable sidewalks allow rain water to seep into the soil, rather than running directly into the ocean with stormwater pollutants.
Natural daylighting is used throughout the building to reduce the need for artificial lighting. Large eaves help to shade the building's interior. Geothermal pumps heat and cool the building, while solar panels heat water and photovoltaic panels convert Beaufort's abundance of sunlight into electricity.
Indoor Air Quality
The building's design allows for circulation of fresh air from outside. Low-VOC materials minimize air pollution in the building.
Local building materials, such as yellow southern pine and Atlantic white cedar, and recycled wood are used throughout the structure.
Integration of Sustainability in Design & Construction Process
Using a local architect and construction team was an important part of designing and building a low-impact, sustainable structure adapted to the unique ecology of the Marine Lab's coastal setting.