The Holdsworth Center

The Holdsworth Center for Excellence in Education Leadership was constructed on a 44-acre site on lakefront property. The challenge was to create a facility that provides the public with a host of resources for public and private events while highlighting sustainable building techniques. The campus needed to include multi-purpose venues, a 180-room residential village, a full-service social hub, high-tech classrooms, fitness facilities, an outdoor pavilion, and administration facilities, all while minimizing the environmental impact.

The project team implemented several innovative solutions to address these challenges. LED luminaires and networked controls were used to provide an energy-efficient lighting system with minimal maintenance. The exterior lighting was designed with a layered approach, using warm concealed sources to optimize the outdoor experience. Light levels were intentionally decreased toward the water to minimize the lighting effect on local ecosystems.

The Holdsworth Center successfully provides a comprehensive range of resources for public and private events, supporting its mission to improve public education. The sustainable building techniques used throughout the campus have been highlighted, and the energy-efficient lighting system has reduced maintenance needs. The project received the 2021 Austin Green Award and was featured in Texas Monthly, showcasing its commitment to sustainability and innovation.