The class of 2008 marked a turning point in Studio 804’s development. Not only did the class complete the program’s first commercial building after years of residential projects, but it also produced Studio 804’s first LEED Platinum-certified building. Developed in collaboration with the 5.4.7. Arts Center in Greensburg, Kansas, the Sustainable Prototype was designed for long-term use by the Arts Center. As one of the first completed public facilities in the town following the devastating tornado, it also served as a symbol of the community’s ambitious rebuilding efforts. Following the tornado, the Greensburg City Council passed a resolution requiring all publicly funded city buildings to achieve LEED Platinum certification through the U.S. Green Building Council. Although the Arts Center was not publicly funded, Studio 804 believed it was important to support the council’s commitment by achieving this level of certification and setting an example for future projects. On June 16, 2008, the one-year anniversary of the tornado, the Sustainable Prototype became the first LEED Platinum-certified building in Kansas and the first building designed and constructed by students to achieve this certification.

Combining a community meeting hall and an art gallery in a small building while incorporating passive sustainable design strategies presented several challenges. One of the primary concerns was creating a space that could open toward the town and the southern sun while protecting the artwork from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. This was essential both to prevent damage to the artwork and to maintain a comfortable viewing environment. To achieve this, Studio 804 worked with a supplier of airplane hangar doors to develop a manually operated south wall. When closed, the door system forms louvers that provide shade; when open, it allows gatherings to extend onto the expansive buffalo grass lawn to the south.