BELLS
BEND NATURE CENTER, NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE Part of the Master Plan for Parks and Greenways, the project scope included the design of three buildings located in three different Metro Parks natural areas (Shelby Bottoms Greenway, Beaman Park and Bells Bend Park). A conceptual master plan for each center campus was also developed focusing on site features and growth. Each design centered around the unique site opportunities/ constraints of three very different parks and feature natural, contextual materials with an emphasis on exposed structural elements. The designs maximize sustainable design and building practices, materials and operation including a specific “green” focus for each of the centers. Design decisions were treated as teaching opportunities to showcase sustainable design practices so that the buildings would become education exhibits themselves. At Bells Bend Nature Center, wood from the existing barn structures was salvaged and used to construct interior details such as a “barn door” partition and reception desk. The design includes an attached interior “climbing silo” where introductory climbing will be taught. Climbers are rewarded at the top of the silo with a 360-degree view of the park. The orientation of the building relates to harnessing the prevailing winds through the building and allows for southern roof exposure for solar panels. Other green features include pervious concrete walks and an educational kiosk where kids can see the real time energy savings generated by the photovoltaic cells on the roof. |
