The American Institute of Architects named buildings in Madison and Racine as two of the nation's top 10 green building projects of 2011.
The addition to Madison's First Unitarian Society Meeting House, which was originally designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, is one of the projects. The addition reflects a contemporary expression of Wright's idea of an organic architecture, according to the American Institute of Architects.
The 20,000-square foot addition includes carbon dioxide sensors that are able to set off a ventilation system and a roof with vegetation.
The building currently holds a U.S. Green Building Council Leading in Energy and Environmental Design gold rating.
LEED ratings are granted to buildings based on their energy efficiency and sustainability.
The OS House in Racine was the other Wisconsin project recognized by the AIA. The house is one of the first homes in the upper Midwest to earn a LEED platinum rating, the highest certification awarded.
The house shows how it is possible to have a sustainable residence on a moderate budget, according to the American Institute of Architects.
