PROJECT  Woodlands Stewardship Education Center

ARCHITECT  Quinn Evans

LOCATION  Chantilly, Virginia, US​

PROJECT COMPLETION DATE  12/13/2023

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN TEAM  Kathryn Slattery, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB; Ryan McEnroe, FAIA, ASLA, LEED AP, LFA; Jeremiah Huth, AIA, LFA; Melody Cates, AIA, LEED AP, CDT
OWNER/CLIENT  Fairfax County Parks Authority
CONTRACTOR/CONSTRUCTION MANAGER  Cooper Building Services, LLC
PHOTOGRAPHER  Joseph Romeo
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT AECOM
CIVIL ENGINEER Bowman Consulting Group
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER  Woods-Pecock Engineering Consultants, Inc.
MECHANICAL ENGINEER  Interface Engineering
ELECTRICAL ENGINEER  Interface Engineering
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SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT  
The Woodlands Stewardship Education Center stands as a beacon of sustainability nestled within the serene canopy of Ellanor C. Lawrence Park in Fairfax County, Virginia. The center orients visitors to the natural and cultural resources of Fairfax County inspiring them to become active stewards of the natural environment.
Central to the design is the seamless integration of the center into its surrounding landscape. By weaving the structure into the existing tree canopy and topography of the park, we have created a sanctuary where visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of their surroundings while engaging in educational experiences that foster a deep connection to the land. From the continuous wraparound porch that offers panoramic views of the woodlands and pond to the carefully curated outdoor learning stations, every aspect of the center is designed to invite exploration and discovery.
Driven by the rigorous standards of the Living Building Challenge certification, the Woodlands Stewardship Education Center is more than just a structure – it is a living testament to the symbiotic relationship between human habitation and the natural world. This certification is a testament to the center’s dedication to high environmental standards, incorporating mindful choices in salvaged materials, energy systems, and operations. The center stands as a paragon of environmentally conscientious design, inspiring visitors to embrace similar principles in their own lives.

JURY COMMENTS (If applicable)

MEDIA FOR DOWNLOAD
Project PDF

IMAGES (Captions and Photographer Credit)
1. Caption: Exterior view of the center nestled in the forest. Photo Credit: Joseph Romeo Photography
2. Caption: Exterior view of the center nestled in the forest. Photo Credit: Joseph Romeo Photography
3. Caption: Main room with lights, timber finishes, and open garage doors to the forest. Photo Credit: Joseph Romeo Photography
4. Caption: Exterior view of the center nestled in the forest. Photo Credit: Joseph Romeo Photography
5. Caption: Outdoor amphitheater built from reclaimed stone. Photo Credit: Joseph Romeo Photography
6. Caption: Cistern near the entry captures rainwater. Photo Credit: Joseph Romeo Photography
7. Caption: Gathering under a timber canopy in an open-air learning space. Photo Credit: Joseph Romeo Photography
8. Caption: Solar canopy in parking area supporting net-positive energy. Photo Credit: Joseph Romeo Photography