The Visitor Activity Center was designed to meet the Client’s commitment to environmental stewardship.The Center functions as a gather- ing space for dining, meetings, lectures and other environmental learning activities.The building was designed to take advantage of beautiful views of the natural world and to enhance winter solar gain. SAE designed the MEP systems to complement the open character of the structure.The heating system consists of a radiant floor system that provides occupant comfort allowing for lower space temperature and is invisible. The building utilizes natural ventilation instead of air conditioning to minimize energy use.The flexible lighting system design promotes zoned control to supplement the available day light from the large fenestration areas.
2009 Silver Commonwealth Award – 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania
2010 Honor Award for Building Design – United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Designing the Parks Awards Featured in Sustainable Facilities: Green Design, Construction, and Operations by Keith Moskow