World Birding Center

Mission, TX

This eco-tourism headquarters is located in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, one of the richest bird habitats in the world. The design approach was to do more with less. The architecture learned from the regional vernacular, responded to the harsh climate, and minimized disturbance of the adjacent 1700-acre native habitat preserve. Sustainable features included a 35% reduction in building program, outdoor circulation, a narrow floor plate for effective cross ventilation and daylighting, steel arch panels as both structure and roofing, efficient building systems, water conservation and re-use, and restorative landscapes.

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