Visitor Center and
​Administration Building Complex

Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
​Olympia, Washington
Client: US Fish and Wildlife Service​

The Visitor Center features education and wildlife observation opportunities related to wetland biology and native waterfowl. The pedestrian approach to the Visitor Center is elevated above a new wetland. The building features an exposed post and beam structure and carefully detailed interior spaces. The building is constructed on pilings driven to a depth of 20 feet.

The Center features an Auditorium that overlooks the existing wetland and a Wetland Interpretive Exhibit room. Environmentally responsible finish materials were carefully utilized including:

• Natural Cork Flooring (harvested from living trees)
• Recycled Content Counter Tops (from recycled newspaper)
• Recycled Content Toilet Partitions (from recycled plastic)
• Cementitious Siding (sustainable forest wood fiber)
• Recycled Content Walkway and Bridge Decking
  

The Administration building is linked to the Visitor Center by a covered walkway and wildlife observation kiosk overlooking the existing wetland. The Administration Building also features post and beam structure and carefully detailed interior spaces.​