John Bunker Sands Wetland Center Facility
John Bunker Sands Wetland Center Facility under construction
The John Bunker Sands Wetland Center will serve as the hub of environmental and social interest for the 3,100 acres of man-made wetland habitat on the Rosewood Seagoville Ranch property. This includes the North Texas Municipal Water District East Fork Wetland Project, flooded hardwood forest restoration as part of the Bunker Sands Mitigation Bank, and seasonal emergent wetlands.
The Wetland Center building and grounds will provide opportunities for research, education, wildlife observation, and community gatherings within a comfortable, appropriately scaled, environmentally-conscious development. The 5,400 SF facility will fulfill many roles including a staging and exhibit hall for interactive exhibits; a fully equipped research lab for use by research groups to study the wetland plants and animals; a classroom for hands-on educational and research use; on-site manager office; and an observation deck to view the wetlands. The building will also house restrooms, a prep kitchen to accommodate larger events, and a private sleeping quarters for research students. Outside the building, the Wetland Center will feature boardwalks extending into the living wetlands, allowing visitors to view the wetland systems and observe wildlife. Pavilions, engaged with the boardwalks and the wetlands, and an observation tower are planned for future phases.
The Wetland Center facility and grounds are designed to respond to the site and take advantage of local rainfall, sun, views, and breezes. The architectural design of the building incorporates such features as operable windows for natural ventilation, deep roof overhangs for shading, capturing rainwater for use in site irrigation, the use of native plant, grass, and flower species, and a wetland meadow for on-site waste water treatment. The building utilizes familiar materials such as exposed wood structural members, natural stone, bamboo flooring, and standing seam metal roofing.
The building is designed by local Dallas Architect, Good Fulton & Farrell Architects. In business for 27 years with a current staff of 70, Good Fulton & Farrell Architects offers Architecture, Interior Architecture, Master Planning, and Landscape Architecture services. Good Fulton & Farrell Architects has designed other similar projects such as the Bear Creek Wetlands Center, Camp Bette Perot, and Camp John Marc Meyers. www.gff.com
The John Bunker Sands Wetland Center will be completed in the Spring of 2010. Tours and exhibits will be offered, turning the wetlands into an outdoor classroom. The Center will open October 2010.
Site Plan of John Bunker Sands Wetland Center
Southview of future John Bunker Sands Wetland Center Facility
Northview of future John Bunker Sands Wetland Center facility
Boardwalk
