Hidden Valley Nature Center - Solution 2
Midcoast Conservancy’s Hidden Valley Nature Center (HVNC) comprises 1,000 acres, rich with a variety of habitat and terrain including over a mile of shorefront on Little Dyer Pond. Miles of multi-use trails rolled groomed XC ski trails, several rustic huts and tent sites are available.
Hidden Valley wanted a pavilion designed to be the center of all their activities. They wanted to utilize donated lumber and other building supplies to keep the cost down and lower carbon footprint. HVNC holds many events throughout the year and there is currently no central structure on the property to host these events. HNVC board of directors wanted several spaces included with the design to incorporate indoor spaces and outdoor covered spaces. These are two different approaches from the same design requirements from the client.
The second solution utilized a utilitarian design was chosen to be in line with what Hidden Valley Nature Center needed. Since part of their program is to teach timber framing a large open area was included to accommodate bigger builds. On the first floor, there is a space to store all of the tools and equipment needed for the timber framing classes. A classroom/meeting room on the second floor of the pavilion is accessible from stairs on the north side. For those visitors wanting to sit and socialize, there is a space with seating so that people may take a break. This space includes a fieldstone fireplace that can be used during the colder months. The pavilion is in an "L" shape that creates another bonus space that can accommodate larger gatherings of people for bigger events.
