Description:

Wind generators Ecological waste water treatment greenhouse, certified wood & rescued submerged timbers, standing-seam metal roofing, temperature-activated ventilation, motion-sensing lights, low-flush toilets. The Samson Environmental Center (SEC) at Darrow School was designed to fit aesthetically within its location at the historic Mount Lebanon Shaker Village while performing as a responsibly-constructed and energy-efficient modern building. The SEC is also a waste water solution, processing up to 8,500 gallons of waste water daily. It houses a 2kW solar-PV array, 4-2kW wind turbines, a climate-monitoring instrument cluster, and data display kiosk. It is a classroom and laboratory used extensively in sustainability education curricula and programs for all levels. It is a destination for hundreds of people each year who are interested in its form and functions.

Efficiency or Sustainability Improvements:

Alternate greywater, Daylighting, Energy Star Appliances, FSC Certified Wood, Passive solar, Radiant floor heating, Recycled Materials, Sunspace, Super Insulated Walls/ Roof

Open House Info:

From Northern Berkshire County, MA and Southern Vermont. Take Rt. 7 South through Williamstown, MA. Turn right onto Rt. 43 into Hancock, MA, and then left onto Rt. 22 into Stephentown, NY. Turn left on Old Rt. 20 (connector) after Marchese Ford in Lebanon Springs, NY, and then left again onto Rt. 20 east. Darrow Road is on the right about a half mile after leaving New Lebanon and beginning to climb the mountain. From Central Berkshire County, MA. Take Rt. 20 west through Hancock, MA into New York State. Darrow Road is on the left about two miles after leaving Massachusetts and beginning to descend the mountain. From Southern Berkshire County, MA. Take Rt. 7 north to Pittsfield, MA. Turn left on Rt. 20 west through Hancock, MA into New York State. Darrow Road is on the left about two miles after leaving Massachusetts and beginning to descend the mountain. From the New York State Thruway/Massachusetts Turnpike (Interstate 90). Take exit B3, New Lebanon/Austerlitz. Go north on Rt. 22 to New Lebanon. Go east (right) on Rt. 20 toward Pittsfield, MA. Darrow Road is on the right about a half mile after leaving New Lebanon and beginning to climb the mountain. Special Considerations: Visitors should use the second driveway and follow the signs to appropriate parking locations. Student guides will be available to tour visitors through the building. Call Craig Westcott at 518.929.5242

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