Green in the Desert Sand
The Palm Desert Visitor Center located in the brand new Chamber of Commerce building was completed in 2009. Both are housed in the Henderson Community Center that sits in the middle of the sandy desert at 72-559 Highway 111 just east of El Paeso. Although designed by architect Narendrea Patel to blend in with the desert it can't be missed. The modern severe angles and smooth cement facade are in distinct contrast to the rough texture of the surrounding desert.
This distinctive "green" building is named for Clifford and Randall Henderson. "Over 30 years ago, before the city was incorporated in 1973, the Henderson family recognized that the center of the Coachella Valley would make an ideal community. The Hendersons first developed 1,600 acres previously used by General George Patton when he trained troops in desert combat during World War II to begin what is now Palm Desert." (From pamphlet Henderson Community Building available at the front desk of the building.)
The 6,300 square foot building is one of the cities first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design buildings. It is designed "with an eye toward solar energy, natural air circulation, resource conservation, and minimal waste...The community building relies on thermally-insulated concrete walls for its natural and green touch...All wall surfaces and a majority of the ceiling surfaces are kept as natural concrete finish which required no paint and no drywall. All floor surfaces were polished concrete, which required no additional finish material to cover the structural concrete. All material had a high percentage of recycled content and all waste was carefully managed and sent to recycling facilities. The building process and use of material greatly reduced CO2 emissions and used fewer natural resources. A high efficiency mechanical system was used. The design provides for a large array of photovoltaic panels on the roof. The entire building shell, including the interior walls, is built from highly insulated panels and covered with high strength concrete." Link 1.
"Materials that are sustainably grown or recycled rather than new materials from non-renewable resources were used. All casework was designed with Bamboo facing." Link 2.
Inside are an entrance hall, four conference rooms with seating up to 20, and kitchen facilities. The walls are hung with photos from the Palm Desert Historical Society. On the rear of the building are large floor to ceiling windows looking out into the desert garden. Shade for the windows is provided by a distinctive red high curved screen structure. Other curved rear cement walls are covered in small pot hole type windows that give light but again protect those inside from the bright sun. Floor to ceiling doors are featured throughout the building, even to the rest rooms. A certified farmer's market is held in the Chamber of Commerce parking lot in front of the building Wednesday and weekend mornings during the months of February to June.
For more interior and exterior photos check out the Links below.
Link 1: http://www.palmspringslife.com/Palm-Springs-Life/April-2009/PSST-The-Gold-Standard-for-Green/
Link 2: http://california.construction.com/features/2009/1201_HendersonCommunityBuilding.asp
Link 3: http://www.nikiomahe.com/architecture-design/henderson-community-building-by-patel-architecture-in-united-states/
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