carney logan burke architects: LSR preserve, wyoming

‘laurance S. rockefeller preserve’ by carney logan burke architects, moose, wyoming, united statesall images courtesy of carney logan burke architects

the ‘laurance S. rockefeller preserve’ is a 1,100-acre gift from the rockefeller family to the national park service and the community, with the aim ofraising awareness and conserving nature as a soul-reviving power. the LEED platinum building was designed by jackson, wyoming-based practice carney logan burke architects, and features a 7,000 square foot chapel-like center devoted to the preservation of the rugged nature in the grand tetonnational park with breathtaking views of the mountain ridge behind it. the L shape typology creates a rational circulation through the different programmatic elements with multimedia presentations made to heighten one of the five senses with relation to mother nature. the structure iscomposed of an entirely timber post and beam construction with natural tree trunks as columns and finer wooden slats covering the interiorsurfaces. the exterior is clad in thicker locally-sourced planks arranged in a vertical orientation with small interstitial gaps recalling the ambiance ofan old barn where slivers of light are allowed to penetrate into the spaces. the journey through the structure ends in semi-circular apse-like roomwith a rhythmically fragmented panoramic view of the landscape, a social space where groups may gather for informational briefs or presentations.

parking area and restroom