Walking Mountains Main Campus: Sustainable Design by Sipes

The architecture, the focus on sustainable design, and how it ties into the landscape, has stood the test of time and it helped take our organization to a whole new level.

The architecture, the focus on sustainable design, how it ties into the landscape, it’s stood the test of time and it helped take our organization to a whole new level.

Walking Mountain Main Campus Client

Connecting children to the natural world encourages them to see they are a part of a complex system, which includes their community, and encourages them to become stewards at an early age. The Walking Mountains Science Center went without a home for over 13 years, holding educational gatherings outdoors in the national forest. The donation of a 5-acre parcel of land walking distance from the town of Avon, but blessed with wetlands, a creek, a pond, and mature forest gave this organization the ideal location to call home.

Brian Sipes worked with Seattle based Mithun to create a 3-building campus that minimized the footprint of buildings and preserved and celebrated outdoor spaces. Designed to showcase a higher performance way of building, the buildings achieved LEED Platinum Certification and exceeded every metric on energy efficiency.
The buildings utilize a very energy efficient building envelope (R55 walls and R95 roof), straw bale walls, day lighting, passive and active solar, natural cooling and living roofs as smart design features. The building forms are simple and recall the agrarian heritage of the Eagle River Valley. The core campus buildings are orientated for optimal solar capture. Sustainable design was central to every design decision and the resulting buildings themselves are a teaching tool for the community and children.

WMSC Mission statement: To awaken a sense of wonder and inspire environmental stewardship and sustainability through natural science education.

Awards:
AIA Colorado Design Merit Award,
Colorado Renewable Energy Society Award

Institutional | Avon | 2011 year completed | 16,580 sq. ft. | LEED Platinum

10 Walking Mountains dusk exterior scaled e1695361384845

FAQ's about the Walking Mountains Main Campus Project

The Walking Mountains Science Center Main Campus is a thoughtful integration of architecture and ecology, serving as a gateway for environmental education in the Vail Valley. Below are answers to common questions about the project’s purpose, design approach, and how Sipes Architects brought this meaningful space to life.

1. What is the purpose of the Walking Mountains Main Campus?
The Main Campus serves as a hub for environmental learning, offering programs for children, adults, and educators focused on sustainability, science, and nature-based education in the heart of the Vail Valley.

2. How did Sipes Architects approach the design of this campus?
Our team worked closely with Walking Mountains to ensure the architecture supported their mission—designing buildings that blend into the natural surroundings, minimize environmental impact, and foster a deep connection to the outdoors.

3. What sustainable design elements are featured on the campus?
The campus incorporates LEED-certified buildings, passive solar design, recycled and locally sourced materials, and energy-efficient systems that support the organization’s sustainability goals.

4. How does the campus reflect the surrounding environment?
Every element—from the orientation of buildings to the use of wood, stone, and native landscaping—was thoughtfully chosen to reflect the ecology of the Eagle Valley and create a welcoming, nature-forward learning environment.

5. Can Sipes Architects support other nonprofit or educational architecture projects?
Yes. We are proud to work with mission-driven organizations and educational institutions. If you’re planning a campus or public facility, we’re here to help you design a space that aligns with your goals and values.

The Sustainable Design of Walking Mountains Main Campus

The architecture of Walking Mountains Main Campus is not only visually appealing, but also highly sustainable. The focus on sustainable design elements such as straw bale walls, day lighting, passive and active solar, natural cooling, and living roofs, showcases the organization's commitment to environmental stewardship.

By incorporating energy efficient building envelopes and utilizing smart design features, the campus not only reduces its environmental impact, but also serves as a model for sustainable construction practices in the community. The recognition received through awards such as the AIA Colorado Design Merit Award and the Colorado Renewable Energy Society Award further solidifies the success of the sustainable design approach.

Connecting Children to Nature at Walking Mountains Main Campus

Walking Mountains Main Campus plays a crucial role in connecting children to the natural world and fostering a sense of environmental stewardship from a young age. By providing a space where children can explore wetlands, creeks, ponds, and forests, the campus encourages them to see themselves as part of a larger ecosystem.

The donation of a 5-acre parcel of land in close proximity to the town of Avon has allowed the organization to create a unique learning environment that inspires curiosity and a sense of responsibility towards the environment. Through hands-on experiences and educational programs, children are empowered to become stewards of the natural world.

The Impact of Walking Mountains Main Campus on the Community

Walking Mountains Main Campus has not only become a hub for environmental education and sustainability practices, but also a valuable asset to the community of Avon. The presence of the campus has raised awareness about the importance of environmental conservation and has inspired individuals to take action towards a more sustainable future.

With its innovative design and commitment to environmental stewardship, Walking Mountains Main Campus serves as a beacon of inspiration for other organizations and individuals looking to make a positive impact on the environment. The integration of sustainable practices into the fabric of the community has created a lasting legacy for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.