THE THIRD COAST ECOLOGY CENTER

Grafton, WI

The direction given for this project, included creating a sustainable solution for an ecology center in Wisconsin. With having a minor in sustainable sciences and taking numerous courses on sustainable properties, that opened the door for creating an elaborate ecology center, at the bluffs of Lake Michigan.

The Lions Den Gorge Nature Preserve became the focus. This location is known for its dramatic bluffs and views of the beautiful lake. One noticeable flaw of this park, is the lack of utilities and infrastructure.

This Ecology Center mirrors the flow of the hiking trails already established, along with multiple viewpoints. It allows for more direction, better traffic flow, shelter from the strong winds (For all seasons), and is equipped to handle harsh winters. Stunning Ice sheets form over Lake Michigan and the park would have the opportunity to host more visitors’ in winter months, given the proper shelter and resting spots.

Each resting spot is equipped with a fireplace, garbage bins, and tall pre-cast concrete walls. The Ecology Center has bubblers on the exterior and interior, bathrooms, a wall dedicated to the history of Grafton and the wildlife, in addition to exterior pockets made from cork to hold and grow endangered vegetation. In the winter moths, the Ecology Center has the flexibility to utilize the walls for hanging snowshoes, ice skates or any other winter activity within the parameters of the park.