Seneca Lake Welcome Center

Services

• Estimating/Scheduling
• Sustainable Design
• Branding
• Architecture
• Interior Design
• FF&E

Site Orientation

Many sustainable features were incorporated into this recreational building, from how it utilizes the site to the materials used. After the park site was studied, the building was intentionally oriented for southern exposure and built into the existing hillside. Utilizing the direction of the sun and the earth's constant temperature, natural heat is captured during the winter, cold winds are diverted, and the overhang shields the sun during the summer months. 

Sustainable Features

This new recreational building offers a great way for visitors to learn about the park and how to utilize the area’s plentiful natural resources. Visitors to the park can also take away knowledge about the sustainable strategies used in the Welcome Center itself, including radiant floor heating, daylight sensors and the use of rain barrels for rainwater collection.

Highlights

• Incorporates cedar wood siding and manufactured stone veneer to complement the park and to reflect the results of a district-wide branding study
• North clerestory windows are operable to allow natural ventilation and diffused natural light into the corridor and conference room
• Offices are south-facing with a large overhang that protects the building from summer sun and allow winter sun to warm the stained concrete floor
• Northwest corner is partially buried into the park's hillside to take advantage of the earth’s constant temperature and protect it from the cold winter winds