World Birding Center

This eco-tourism headquarters is located in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, one of the richest bird habitats in the world. The design responds to the harsh climate, and minimizes disturbance of the adjacent 1,700-acre native habitat preserve. Sustainable features acheived a 35% reduction in building program. Other strategies employed include the use of 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.
Photography: Paul Hester