Project Description
PROVIDED BY AIA IDAHO:
A new educational building for the University of Idaho College of Natural Resources at the Pitkin Nursery constructed entirely out of wood products from the State of Idaho.
Inspired by the constraint of using only locally sourced forest produces a straightforward conceptual approach was developed: a wood box, raised off of the ground plane screened with a modern interpretation of the Western Storefront. The Nursery Sales Office cantilevers out beyond the screen as the public element of the project. Stairs and a ramp lead to the entry space which contains the social gathering space, a fireplace and kitchen. The classroom is located to the right. A 12’-0” sliding door connects the classroom to the social space. A large deck overlooks the nursery operations to the south. Faculty offices line the south wall. The interior is clad with veneered wood panels, each wood species highlighting a particular Idaho wood. Views to the nursery operations and the beautiful Palouse landscape occur through the openings in the screen wall and through the custom designed windows.