CBJ_Indian Creek Layout

Sustainability and the Outdoors
The project’s commitment to sustainability
extends to the outdoors as well.
■ The wetland is designed to capture roof and ground water from the east
side of the building and the hill behind the building. The wetland is divided
into a series of cells, each one progressively bigger, allowing the water to
expand and contract based upon the season. The wetland is a critical part
of the water management strategy. It also provides habitat for fish, turtles,
frogs and other wildlife.
■ A rain garden is designed to handle excessive volumes of rainwater and
runoff. The plant selection and design will keep all roof and ground water
from the west half of the building. Native plant species will release the
water back into the atmosphere through evapotranspiration, a process
created when standing water evaporates at the same time as plant leaves
transpire water vapor into the atmosphere. Leaves release water vapor
when they “breathe” just as humans do. The rain garden provides a sense of
beauty and function. It is also connected to the bioswales as an overflow.
■ ICNC uses three bioswales throughout the campus to handle water.
Bioswales are natural “holding tanks” designed to capture water and
release it back into the atmosphere through evapotranspiration, as well as
infiltrating it back into the ground. ICNC’s bioswales, landscaped elements
that create a drainage course, are excavated 15 feet deep and filled with a
foot and a half of rock. A mix of 80% topsoil, 10% sand, and 10% compost is
then filled into the hole and the slopes of each side are planted with native
species. The mix is specifically designed for this site.
Congratulations!
An Amazing Team for An Amazing Space
From footings to finishing touches, SystemWorks is proud to have been part
of the Indian Creek Nature Center’s exceptional team. SystemWorks provided
building envelope commissioning, mechanical systems commissioning,
and testing, adjusting and balancing services. We will also be monitoring
the building’s performance into the future. For a look inside the process,
check out our blog at www.systemworksllc.com/living-building-challenge.
SystemWorks LLC | 409 Fifth Street, West Des Moines, IA 50265 | phone: 515.975.0575 | fax: 515.255.1155
10 indiancreeknaturecenter.org