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I n 2002, the Nelda C. and H. J. Lutcher Stark Foundation began a process to re-establish the historic Shangri La Gardens as a world-class garden in Orange, Texas. Shangri La had been closed more than 50 years earlier by its founder and benefactor, Lutcher Stark. From the beginning, board members made a commitment to honor Mr. Stark’s devotion to the environment by making the new Shangri La as earth-friendly as possible. Through two hurricanes and a ﬁre, the Stark Foundation Board continued to support this goal, and their commitment was rewarded when Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center was chosen as one of the greenest projects in the world by the American Institute of Architects in 2009. Shangri La was designed by San Antonio architects Lake|Flato and landscape architects Mesa Design Group and Jeffrey Carbo Landscape Architects. “The buildings and grounds of Shangri La reﬂect the heroic mission of the institution by not only garden incorporating an innovative sustainable design, but, even more signiﬁcantly, they demonstrate how man can work in harmony with nature,” said Ted Flato of Lake|Flato architects. It was the ﬁrst LEED Platinum certiﬁed new construction in Texas. The story of Shangri La is one of a commitment to nature and horticulture while highlighting its mission to mentor children of all ages to be kind to their world. From the beginning designers wanted to emphasize the natural ecosystems. Native plants save water and other resources since they are adapted to the environment. The parking lot also reﬂects the earth- friendly philosophy; it is made of recycled asphalt, a road construction product from Orange. Special parking spots are available for those driving hybrid or electric cars. Bicycle racks and showers are convenient for those who ride bicycles to work. The Orientation Center was sited on the location of an old garage and parking area already signiﬁcantly disturbed; no new areas had to be destroyed in the construction process. To further support Shangri La’s green mission, the Stark Foundation agreed to mandate that 101 acres of upland forest be set aside in perpetuity as a natural area. Construction inside of Shangri La was accomplished within speciﬁc green parameters. Materials from recycled products were used wherever possible, and construction wastes were sent to recycling centers. Recycled construction materials included all of the bricks, most of the steel and aluminum, along with the use of ﬂy ash (41%) as a concrete additive. The ﬂooring is also an indication of our commitment to building green. All of the carpet is made from a corn-based nylon. The kitchen and restrooms in the main ofﬁce use a countertop of recycled paper, while all restrooms use low ﬂush toilets. Hot water is derived from instant water heaters. Insulation in all buildings is a bio-insulation product made from soybeans.

Houston_Green_10.23.09

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