Botanical Research Institute of Texas

     On May 25, 2013 we travelled to the Botanical Research Institute of Texas located at 1700 University Drive, Fort Worth, Texas.  We were greeted by Chuck Bosworth and proceed to tour the facility.  It was explained to us that the facility has two primary functions, plant research and house a library for research. 

      The facility has several improvements meeting and exceeding LEED certification.  Some of these include reuse of waterlogged lumber, sloping flood plan, treated windows, water collection and reuse, and solar panels to name a few.  I have attached pictures on the left that illustrate how these have been implemented.

     One of the things I was impressed with was the overall design of the whole area.  I was able to see firsthand how they were taking into account waterfall and effectively channeling its use on the local ground.  This process virtually eliminates storm runoff and puts the water to good use.

      Researchers at BRIT have also planted plant life indigenous to the local area for study.  This is shown on the picture on the left here.

 

     Another thing I thought was interesting was the use of climbing plants on the walls as a way to combat the heat from penetrating the building.  I never thought that would factor in as much as it could.  The use of waterlogged cypress wood for the walls was particularly interesting too.  I didn’t think that it would be cost effective to retrieve and use that lumber.  

     Overall I thought this was a tour that should be encouraged for all to attend.  It is truely a hidden gem of sites to see in Fort Worth.

Professor Wollman explaining the finer details at BRIT.

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