Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences needed a 5,600-square-foot, modern, state-of-the-art ocean conservation teaching facility to complement its Marine Laboratory campus in the historic coastal town of Beaufort, N.C. The program called for a teaching laboratory, a lecture hall equipped with videoconferencing facilities to connect to other classrooms and research labs worldwide, interpretive educational displays, and spaces for social interactions overlooking Beaufort Channel.

Originally, Duke’s Marine Laboratory served only as a summer facility. Today, the lab operates year-round to provide educational, training and research opportunities to undergraduate, graduate and professional students; visiting student groups who use the laboratory’s facilities; and scientists who come from North America and abroad to conduct their own research.

The Ocean Conservation Center would be the first new academic building constructed at the Marine Lab in 30 years. It would also be Duke’s first thoroughly green structure, identifying and demonstrating innovative, environmentally sound design and construction technology.

The site is along the edge of an island at the head of Beaufort Inlet, which is surrounded by an abundance of marine life. Ideas and forms indigenous to the area — such as low-rise construction and wood-shingle siding — informed the design concept so that the modern center would be as environmentally appropriate as the town’s historic structures and at ease in its coastal setting.

The angular design responds directly to the site along the edge of the island. The shape defers to prevailing southwest breezes blowing in from the channel and allows natural illumination to serve as primary task lighting in every interior space. It also creates a very natural, open inner courtyard for the campus.

The channel side of the building features a large, wooden porch just outside of a glass-enclosed common area, which provides panoramic views of the natural surroundings. The wood-shingled exterior complements the coastal context and the roof’s deep overhang protects the interior from the hot summer sun.

The building is designed and engineered to resist hurricane-force winds in excess of 125 mph — a very real threat in Beaufort, N.C. Building materials include wood, wood shingles, glass and cement panels. The fully designed wood frame is comprised of Atlantic white cedar, recycled wood and Southern yellow pine. State-of-the-art green features include photovoltaic rooftop panels for converting sunlight into electricity, a solar hot water system and high-efficiency ground-coupled heat pumps. Recycled and local materials were used wherever possible.

Landscaping includes a large, new dune that directs the wind over the building, rather than directly at it, and protects other all-native landscaping features.

Duke’s Ocean Conservation Center has been awarded the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Gold certification. It is Duke University’s only LEED Gold certified building, and it serves as a beacon for sustainability, incorporating the built with the natural environment.

Sidebar: Marguerite Kent Repass Ocean Conservation Center At the Duke University Marine Laboratory