Niobrara River Valley Preserve-Nature Conservancy

BVH Architecture

Recognitions: 2020 Central States Region Awards (Architecture)

Project Description

The Nature Conservancy's 56,000-acre Niobrara Valley Preserve is one of the largest conservancy preserves in the U.S. and a model for grassland management using bison, cattle, and fire. Approaching from the road users step onto an elevated cedar pathway that leads to a covered outdoor space. A portion of the deck projects into the landscape as an extension of the outdoor space. It is on the north side where the primary entry is located to preference the connection to the natural setting then enter the gathering space. Within the interior resides meeting rooms, educational orientation, office space, and a servery. The project is designed to amplify the natural environment through sustainable methods and nuanced material choices. Sourced on-site from overgrowth, cedar siding is charred using an ancient Japanese technique to provide durability and resistance to insects. Cor-ten steel will oxidize providing an ever-changing dynamic facade. Creating a high-performing building envelope develops a human-centered interior experience. An empirically calibrated window system using modular steel louvers veils the southern facing glass. The system allows views to the landscape, obstructs unwanted solar heat gain during and allows the sun to heat the space during the winter months. The system is developed through computer analysis of data in real-time to fine-tune the design. Where louvers were not desired, the planes of glass were regressed with the roof providing the necessary shading. The result is a visitor center tailored to compliment the noble goals of The Nature Conservancy.