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J.C. Raulston Arboretum is a North Carolina State University complex consisting of several buildings, including a Support Building, Work Shop, Green House Gift Shop and the Main Arboretum Education Center. The Wooten Company designed mechanical, electrical, fire protection and plumbing systems for these buildings. One interesting design feature at the Arboretum is a geothermal water source heat pump system for heating and cooling these buildings. The system uses the ground temperature to exchange heat with the building, saving energy and reducing operating costs. This was also one of many site sensitive design features. Geothermal heat pumps eliminated the need for any exterior mechanical equipment on the park like site.

The visitor's center has no back door or service areas. All sides of the building, including the roof, serve as public space and provide opportunities for intensive landscaping. The HVAC system selection and design further exemplify sensitivity to site development. Use of earth coupled, water source heat pumps eliminated the need for any mechanical equipment installed on the exterior of the building. A series of vertical wells for condenser water, buried below planting areas, support the operation of the high efficiency system resulting in very low energy usage.