Tennessee Concrete Association Headquarters

Manuel Zeitlin Architects

The Living Building Challenge Petal matrix was the guiding framework for the entire project team. The building was designed to be fully self-sufficient. A new well was drilled and treated to bring potable water to the building. A solar array was designed to meet all electrical needs and every space was designed with operable windows to promote natural ventilation and views to nature. Edible and native plants were incorporated into the Landscape design to restore the site and provide food for the TN Concrete Association (TCA) and local community. Pervious Concrete and a sanitary greenhouse were deployed to manage storm and black water on site while a gray water loop reuses non potable water to flush toilets.
The project site is directly south of Cane Ridge High School. TCA plans to engage with the school’s ACE mentor program with the goal of teaching students about the concrete and ready mix industries through on site demonstrations and small scale projects such as concrete bench building.
The concrete used for the building will serve as a data set for future research into the sustainability of concrete. TCA plans to core walls and floors to monitor the embodied carbon as well as design strengths over the course of the building's life. Demonstrations of the buildings systems, such as Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) will provide educational opportunities for students and professionals. The design process illuminated the real potential and feasibility of fully sustainable projects for our office. This project alone has reinvigorated the firm’s interest and commitment to sustainable practices.