EMF : MLK studio

Austin, Texas

This multi-purpose studio has office and meeting spaces and serves as a working demonstration of the materials, methods, and systems we are employing.  This is our think tank, library, lab, and living machine.

Approaches include:

• low-impact foundation technology (LIFT)

Pin Foundations

• pre-manufactured elements:

  structural insulated panels (SIPs) from a regional source

corrugated steel grain tank

Agriboard
Scafco Grain Systems

• in-house fabricated elements:

steel trusses and brackets

 

• renewable and recycled materials:

straw, steel, wood, and glazing

 

• intensive greening building periphery:

green roof

green screen

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Casey Boyter
Growers Austin
Firestone TPO Roofing
Colbond Drainage
Geo Growers
Joss Growers

• recycling water:

rainwater irrigation (edible landscape)

graywater irrigation (landscape)

AC condensate (green roof)

blackwater (Watson Wick with tree and vine plantings)

 

• solar power:
3 kilowatt photovoltaic panel array

passive solar water heating

Meridian Solar

 

• orientation:

north-south exposure

block out high-traffic corridor

create courtyard

 

• natural ventilation:

thermal chimney stack at west end

cross ventilation through operable windows

 

• openings:

selective glazing according to solar gain

shade awnings

continuous clerestory natural lighting

salvaged low-E double-glazed windows

double-walled semi opaque fiberglass

 

• crafted details:

window frames built of remnant laminated strand lumber from SIPs

curved fiberglass gutter

built-in steel roof access ladder