Edwin Bouldin Architect PA
Ed Bouldin and Matthew Draughn
West Jefferson, North Carolina
The park andvisitor center are located in the northwestern corner of North Carolina alongthe New River (declared a State Scenic River in 1975, preserving the river andestablishing a state park).
Thefinal design resulted in a center of approximately 14,000 gross square feet. The architect selected a prominent hill sitenear the park entry readily accessible to visitors. Wood decks off the main lobby afford views offorest and mountains and create areas for mechanical units below. The architectincorporated natural materials and colors compatible with the seasonallandscape. A vaulted A-frame entry porchwith heavy timber scissor trusses continues into the main lobby and to theSouth as a covering for the deck. Astone chimney and stone faced entry vestibule anchor the North and Southcurtain wall elevations providing views and sunlight. The lobby as a central spine allows forcirculation to the South deck while dividing the center according to disciplinewith the East wing being the more public and educational face (exhibithall/discovery room and classroom) and the West wing except for the auditoriumthe administration side. Stone piers onthe North elevation continue the “lodge-like” appearance. North facing clearstory windows providenatural light into the corridors of the administration and classroomwings. Animal footprints were embossedin the front walkway with appropriate information about each animal. Native plants were installed in thelandscaping buffers between the sidewalks and center.
Ed Bouldin and Matthew Draughn
West Jefferson, North Carolina
The park andvisitor center are located in the northwestern corner of North Carolina alongthe New River (declared a State Scenic River in 1975, preserving the river andestablishing a state park).
Thefinal design resulted in a center of approximately 14,000 gross square feet. The architect selected a prominent hill sitenear the park entry readily accessible to visitors. Wood decks off the main lobby afford views offorest and mountains and create areas for mechanical units below. The architectincorporated natural materials and colors compatible with the seasonallandscape. A vaulted A-frame entry porchwith heavy timber scissor trusses continues into the main lobby and to theSouth as a covering for the deck. Astone chimney and stone faced entry vestibule anchor the North and Southcurtain wall elevations providing views and sunlight. The lobby as a central spine allows forcirculation to the South deck while dividing the center according to disciplinewith the East wing being the more public and educational face (exhibithall/discovery room and classroom) and the West wing except for the auditoriumthe administration side. Stone piers onthe North elevation continue the “lodge-like” appearance. North facing clearstory windows providenatural light into the corridors of the administration and classroomwings. Animal footprints were embossedin the front walkway with appropriate information about each animal. Native plants were installed in thelandscaping buffers between the sidewalks and center.
