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

Walking Mountains Main Campus featuring modern architecture, solar panels, surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage and mountainous landscape.

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

Walking Mountains Science Center Main Campus, showcasing sustainable architecture with energy-efficient features, natural materials, and integration into the Vail Valley landscape.
Sustainable architecture of Walking Mountains Science Center Main Campus featuring solar panels, natural landscaping, and integration with the Eagle River Valley, promoting environmental education.
Sustainable architecture of Walking Mountains Science Center Main Campus with solar panels, surrounded by greenery and autumn foliage, showcasing energy-efficient design in the Vail Valley.
Aerial view of Walking Mountains Science Center Main Campus featuring solar panels, green roofs, and surrounding natural landscape with pathways and a pond, emphasizing sustainable architecture and environmental education.
Walking Mountains Science Center Main Campus showcasing sustainable architectural design with energy-efficient features, surrounded by natural landscaping and mountains, reflecting the agrarian heritage of the Eagle River Valley.
Interior view of the Walking Mountains Science Center's Meadow Learning Studio, featuring large windows for natural lighting, wooden beams, and circular tables with stools, emphasizing sustainable design and connection to the surrounding environment.
Construction workers installing straw bale walls at the Walking Mountains Science Center, demonstrating sustainable building practices and energy-efficient design.
Straw bale wall display with informational sign about energy-efficient building materials, emphasizing sustainability and renewable resources used in the Walking Mountains Science Center.
Sustainable architecture of Walking Mountains Science Center Main Campus at dusk, featuring solar panels, energy-efficient design, and natural landscaping.
Air flow diagram illustrating the Walking Mountains Science Center campus layout, featuring sustainable design elements like straw bale walls, solar panels, and integrated outdoor classrooms, emphasizing energy efficiency and ecological harmony in the Vail Valley.
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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.