At the What Makes it Green? reception tonight, the jury walked us through the 10 best projects. Here they are!

Barn Beach Reserve, Bassetti Architects

The jury asked, “Where’s the beach?” Turns out that this Leavenworth project is an product of three community groups, and the jury keyed into the educational components of the building and the associated mission.

Brightwater Wastewater Treatment Facility, Mithun

Exemplary design integration turns sewage treatment into opportunity. Methane is captured and used throughout the project. A new energy technology incubator allows local companies to test their latest innovations.

Building 35: Natural Sciences Building, Miller|Hull

The jury enjoyed the exactness of decision making process and use of existing site conditions. Two core structural systems were utilized for two very different program needs–laboratory and classrooms.

Dockside Green, Perkins + Will

This is the first group of buildings in a 26-building planned community that will replace a heavily damaged brownfield along the water in Victoria, BC. The project builds social equity through job training and preference for small, locally owned retail businesses.

The Joseph Vance Building, ZGF

Back to the future, says the jury. This project is part of the Jonathan Rose Companies’ smart growth investment fund dedicated to renovating existing buildings. The Vance Building was upgraded with simple low-cost measures that kept most of the envelope intact. Natural ventilation was restored to working order and the occupancy rate skyrocketed to approximately 95 percent. Low rents attract non-profits and start-ups in what is now a vibrant office environment.

Klos Building, High Plains Architects

We learned a new acronym today–VLB. Very Low Budget. This historic renovation of an 1893 building in Billings, MT, was based on rediscovering its assets. Water collection systems have been a huge success, solid waste has nearly been eliminated and most occupants bike or walk to the building.

Olympic Mills Commerce Center, Works Partnership Architecture

This project was deemed transformative because of its delight. The jury was convinced that this adaptive reuse of an old mill would be loved and looked after for many, many years. The project features low rental rates and significant reused materials.

San Juan Channel House, D+A Studio

More delight, this time through the vision of a husband and wife duo–designer and builder. Their personal conviction to create a healthy home with local materials yielded an engaging process of learning and a high performing house. The jury also noted the intentional flexibility of spaces, which denotes future wealth creation.

Terry Thomas, Weber Thompson

Weber Thompson worked closely with a private developer to create its own office space and a building without air conditioning. Energy performance is impressive at 35 kBtu/sf/yr, and occupants are comfortable inside at 80 degrees given the air flow. External space is intentionally part of the program.

EPA Region 8 Headquarters, ZGF

This large project boasts impressive facade treatments and climatic responsive design. The jury was thrilled with the detail provided on process, analysis, and POE studies.