The School and Campus Issue of Landscape Architect and Specifier News saw many firms submit their projects for feature consideration. This project was not chosen for a Feature in the issue, but we at LandscapeArchitect.com thought the project deserved to be showcased online . . .

 
Graciously overlooking Sandy Neck, the 110 acres of natural beauty at MASS Audubon's Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary contributes to the overall health of the coastal ecosystem and provides visitors with a unique opportunity to experience Cape Cod's pristine environment. When tasked with creating a new welcome center, the team sought inspiration from the immersive experience of the sanctuary's trails and beach to compose a project seamlessly blending the built environment of a historic site with nature.
Inspired by the agrarian landscape of New England and the adjacent classic cape house donated by Sherman Parker in 1973, the new Discovery Center combines traditional outbuilding aesthetics with a well-ordered campus plan and forward-thinking sustainable choices. The contextual contemporary interpretation of a simple gabled structure paired with large apertures encourages the natural world to be the focus. Weathered cedar shingles & painted vertical siding further reference the vernacular building language. Plaster walls, polished concrete floors, and floor-to-ceiling glass provide a clean, utilitarian backdrop to the vibrant activities within. Flexible classrooms may be combined to accommodate 80 people for educational programs, exhibits, and gatherings. Whether hosting school groups or member events, the building and adjacent courtyards encourage the joy of discovering Cape Cod wildlife.
The building design serves the environment by leading with sustainable & healthy choices. Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPS) form the exterior walls (R-30) and roof (R-50), creating a tightly sealed and insulated shell requiring significantly less energy to heat and cool. The building is Net Zero thanks to electrification, insulation, and the energy generation from solar panels on the roof. The inseparable pairing of aesthetic beauty with a robust sustainable agenda was a critical goal for the project team.
A landscape of accessibility and connectivity inspired the site design. Subtle grading ensures accessibility without the need for traditional ramps and railings. A gently sloping path replaces steps and stoops, boardwalk-inspired structures spanning over native plantings, seamlessly connect to the existing thresholds of the 74-year-old Sherman Parker House. The graceful pathway, flanked by striking native plantings, guides visitors to the Discovery Center. Native-forward planting in front of the Sherman Parker House diffuses the previous main entrance, creating a clearer circulation path from the parking lot to the new Discovery Center. Outdoor spaces are defined by built-in benches, providing rest for trail leaders or educators organizing energetic groups of school children before embarking on their campus exploration. The central area of the campus is wide open, adorned with native fescues and micro clover, reflecting the cultural history of the pasture meadows that were once used for livestock grazing.
The success of this project was made possible through the collaboration of the sanctuary director, architect, landscape architect, and contractor. Their collective effort resulted in a design that harmoniously balances aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability, all within a modest budget. The spaces created are inclusive for all individuals while promoting the conservation of the environment.

To have your project featured in LASN or on LandscapeArchitect.com please email editorial@landscapearchitect.com

For more information about submitting a project, go to: https://landscapearchitect.com/research/editorial/editorial-submissions.php