in the office of Frank Harmon Architect PA

In keeping with the preservation of the natural environment, the NC Division of Parks and Recreation wanted the 9,760 square foot visitor center and open air classroom at Merchants Millpond State Park to be as sustainable as possible. The visitor center is one of the first LEED Certified visitor centers for NC Parks and Recreation. Sustainable features include geothermal HVAC systems, natural ventilation, daylighting, use of recycled materials, use of local materials, native landscaping, and low or no flow plumbing and rainwater cisterns. The Visitor Center exhibits are designed to educate and encourage visitors to participate in the abundant wildlife and unique scenic surroundings of the historic millpond and associated 1,900 acres.

To learn more about designing with nature, contact us here.