The EPA headquarters is built on a restored site that maximizes natural beauty, stormwater infiltration and a quality outdoor environment while meeting the GSA security requirements. Four finger-like office wings extend out from the building creating outdoor plazas and gathering nodes with connections to the adjacent trail and lake system. The courtyards each have a unique character, with each design collecting and filtering building runoff. Runnels and rain gardens direct the flow of storm water from the roofs through each courtyard. BNIM and the design team designed the site, parking lot configuration, integrated stormwater treatment system, courtyards, entry plaza and secured perimeter. The perimeter design includes components of traditional systems such as rock walls and bollards, but also utilizes creative solutions such as rain gardens and berms while maintaining the security requirements and accentuating the opportunities for stormwater filtration.