IJAMS NATURE CENTER
IJAMS NATURE CENTER
YEAR:
1997
LOCATION:
Knoxville, TN
SIZE:
14,230 sf
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
In 1991, Ijams Nature Center tripled in size after acquiring 60 adjacent acres. Ijams then commissioned MHM, in a joint venture with landscape architect Ross/Fowler P.C., exhibit designers Inside-Outside, Inc., and The Larson Company, to develop a master plan expanding its educational programs and facilities. The centerpiece of the plan was a new Nature Center Building.
Adhering to the principles of sustainable design, the 14,230 s.f. Nature Center Building is scaled to respect the character of the site. With rough-sawn board-and-batten siding and native stone exteriors, the south-facing building has a passive solar design, with low eaves and overhangs to shade the windows in the summer and allow light penetration in winter. Clerestories, skylights, and windows maximize daylighting and views to provide a connection to the outdoors. A careful selection of materials and finishes provides exceptional indoor air quality for users. Roof and wall construction of structural insulated panels gives the building an energy-efficient envelope.
Facilities include a 2,000 s.f. exhibit hall, multi-purpose room, classrooms, labs, and administrative space. Environmentally transparent design and cut-away exhibits show the structure and inner workings of the building, making it part of the educational process.