Project Info
Schmidt Design Group, Inc., as a subconsultant to Zagrodnik + Thomas Architects, provided design services to the County of San Diego’s 5,600-square-foot San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center, which serves to educate the community about the surrounding wetlands and its animal and plant life. Interactive exhibits show visitors the diverse environments of the lagoon. Additional exhibits educate the users on the “green” features of the building that sits in this very sensitive habitat. The project achieved LEED Platinum for New Construction certification. Some of the sustainable features include a green roof, photovoltaic panels, natural daylighting and ventilation, stormwater retention and management and low VOC and recycled materials. In order to preserve the endangered species’ habitat and wetlands, the building’s footprint was limited to previously developed area. Schmidt Design Group, Inc. prepared master plans and final drawings for landscape treatments for the building and site. The design included habitat restoration, extensive interpretive education and a green roof planted with native species.
Awards
- Award of Excellence, California Partk and Recreation Society