MAHSA   DEHGHANI

The Katy Prairie Conservancy is a community committed to educating the public about the endangered ecosystems and species of Katy Prairie, situated in Houston, Texas. To broaden their outreach, they aim to offer a diverse range of activities, from attending a brief seminar to immersive, multi-day stays for in-depth exploration and learning about Katy Prairie.

The project's primary challenge was to accommodate the necessary amenities, such as seminar rooms, a bunkhouse (for student tours), a kitchen, a gathering area, an exhibit space, offices, a gun storage facility (since Katy Prairie collaborates with hunters for species population control), and 12 suites for extended stays.

The design of this project was centered on two main considerations. Firstly, the building needed to harmonize optimally with the surrounding environment to minimize energy consumption. The adaptive facade design and the shape of the roof were pivotal elements to achieve this goal. Secondly, the client's request to separate the 12 suites from the main building was addressed by transforming them into movable RVs, capable of being tailored to the users' requirements.

Furthermore, the landscape was converted into a 'science garden', a concept that encourages visitors to contribute to the preservation of native endangered plants and animal species.