BNIM completes omega center for sustainable living in rhinebeck, NY

the omega center for sustainable living commissioned american firm BNIM to design a new education facility integrated for them. the project overhauls the current wastewater disposal system for the entire 195-acre rhinebeck campus by using biological methods of treatment via an eco machine. as part of a larger effort to educate visitors, staff and local community on innovative wastewater strategies, the project showcases the system in a building that houses both the primary treatment cells and a classroom/laboratory.

BNIM completes omega center for sustainable living in rhinebeck, NY
all images courtesy of BNIM

 

 

in addition to using the treated water for garden irrigation and in a greywater recovery system, omega will use the system and building as a teaching tool in their educational program designed around the ecological impact of their campus.

BNIM completes omega center for sustainable living in rhinebeck, NY
the constructed wetlands in the building

 

 

the facility contains a classroom, laboratory, water garden, and a constructed wetland which supplies all of its own energy needs using photovoltaic power, and is carbon neutral. the self sustaining, high-thermal mass building uses passive solar heating supplemented by geothermal heating as needed, and employs natural ventilation cooling strategies.

BNIM completes omega center for sustainable living in rhinebeck, NY
the photovolatic cells

BNIM completes omega center for sustainable living in rhinebeck, NY
the garden area

BNIM completes omega center for sustainable living in rhinebeck, NY
the facility in the evening