This nature center showcases the local geology and educates visitors on watersheds through views of the exposed rock and with galleries that highlight the rough, layered surfaces of stone as it buries itself into the site.
Windows and walkways provide an up-close experience with the rock-face, just a few feet from the glazing.
The form of this geology center is a single rectangular prism carved into the Austin limestone hillside. The building is designed to provide an up-close view of the geology alongside Deep Eddy Pool.
The interior features two levels of gallery space, a small office, and a large auditorium, with a continuous all-glazed wall against the enclosing rock face.
To add warmth to the space, the building features a lightly polished copper finish on its metallic surfaces, such as railings, stairs, counters, and door frames. The copper material contrasts with the cool concrete and rocky views, while also reflecting warm light deeply into gallery spaces.
The textured rock faces seen deeper in the project are further enhanced by the contrasting smooth cast-in-place concrete.
The terminus of the center is a large stone courtyard where visitors can experience the true depth of this hillside by exiting at the same elevation they entered; 20 feet below the grade above.