The innovative new Ryan Resilience Lab of the Elizabeth River Project in Norfolk, VA, is a globally recognized model for coastal resilience. Just off the banks of the non-profit’s namesake Elizabeth River, the site has been redeveloped with a living shoreline and an expansive new educational park and dock that welcomes the community for events and guided tours of the Lab.
Built to educate the public on climate and environmental issues, the 6,500 sq.ft. lab serves as a visual and functional example of sustainable, green building practices, showcasing inventive yet practical ways homeowners and builders can design structures to withstand severe weather and reduce pollution.
Fast Company World Changing Ideas 2025 Winner
Winner of HRACRE 2025 Excellence in Development Design – Best Sustainable Project, Juror’s Choice
Winner of ENR MidAtlantic 2024 Excellence in Sustainability Award
Featured on The Today Show
With sustainability at the core of the project, the design team partnered with RESAWN to identify an exterior cladding solution that aligned with the Lab’s net-zero energy goals while serving as a replicable model for environmentally responsible construction.
A CUSTOM FSC®-Certified acetylated modified wood cladding system was selected for its exceptional durability, dimensional stability, and environmental performance. Its patented acetylation process significantly reduces moisture absorption, making it ideally suited for the demanding riverside environment while providing long-term resistance to decay and weathering.
Sourced from responsibly managed forests, Accoya® is FSC®-Certified, Cradle to Cradle Certified® Gold, and the only construction material to achieve Cradle to Cradle Certified® Platinum for Material Health. To complete the design, RESAWN developed a custom low-VOC oil finish that delivers a soft, weathered coastal appearance while supporting the project’s environmental objectives.
Working closely with the project team, RESAWN provided product samples, material evaluations, and technical guidance throughout the specification process to identify the most appropriate wood solution for the Lab’s functional and sustainability requirements.
By combining high-performance modified wood with custom finishing expertise, RESAWN helped deliver an exterior cladding system that supports the building’s educational mission while demonstrating how sustainable material selection can contribute to resilient, environmentally responsible architecture.
Work Program Architects is a community-focused firm, with a mission of strengthening communities through a collaborative design process. Founded in 2010, they focus solely on projects that build social, economic, and environmental resilience in educational, municipal, and civic sectors.
Hourigan is a fully integrated construction and development firm focused on creating a more sustainable future. Through establishing a solid partnership with each client, they deliver projects with unique perspectives that give back to communities and support critical causes.
