When the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) based on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, outgrew its headquarters of nearly 30 years, the organization knew it wanted a building that minimized human impact on the environment. In thinking about its future home, IFAW wanted the building to embody its mission to protect animals and their habitats. At the same time, the organization also aimed to incorporate water conservation, energy efficiency, and recycled/renewable materials.

The new Gold-LEED-certified IFAW headquarters, by Boston based designLAB architects, achieved all that and more. The structure features an energy-efficient shading system for natural daylighting with Hunter Douglas roller shades, incorporates significant recycled and sustainable building materials and smart architectural design to reduce its overall footprint. Even the site is sustainable: the building is sited on a former brownfield that was covered with contaminated soil and littered with tires, metal scraps and other debris. At one point it had become "a town dump," says Sam Batchelor, project manager for designLAB.

Comprised of three two-story, barn-like structures totaling 40,000 square feet, IFAW's headquarters delivers from an environmental standpoint with its low-cost, pragmatic approach. The building also pays homage to the vernacular architecture and reflects the international identity of the worldwide organization with a "distinctly modern design," according to Batchelor.

A local 18th century farm in nearby Barnstable inspired the landscaping, says Batchelor, incorporating a traditional Cape Cod meadow, low-sloped hill, native grasses, and a wooded edge. The three structures echo the "iconic Cape Cod image" of a Herreshoff sailboat, as if "three sailboats are tipped on their sides." The white boards of the hull are reflected in the North, West, and East sides of the building; and the structures' views facing the open meadow and courtyard - the focal point of the site - evoke the openness of a sail.
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