By drawing inspiration from the cultural, historical, and ecological context, ecoTONE recognizes the setting while also embracing the future. In identifying environmental parallel axes, the project bisects four distinct ecological zones in order to craft an immersive experience for its users through marsh, live oaks, forest, and field. Our proposal for the new Coastal Discovery Museum capitalizes on the surrounding natural features to respond both formally and programmatically in order to maximize the learning opportunities for guests of the site. Upon arrival, the entire journey is a narrative of environmental and contextual transition with the building acting as the platform for growth.

The project utilizes environmental strategies that engage the sensescrafting an environmentally conscious structure that also acts experientially for the user. The project’s materials and envelope are guided to provide unique interior and exterior performances that areaware of how the building will evolve over time and age with the natural site.