Tulip Creek Nature Center Addition

2004 Tulip Creek Nature Center Design

by Marvin Bartel

 

Good design sings a visual song that sticks in the mind’s eye like a pleasant tune. As you live, work, and play there, you become part of its harmony.

These photos show a nearly completed 600 sq. ft. addition to a historic farmhouse at a nature center. It features a Rumford fireplace. The fireplace is sited with all of its thermal mass inside the room to maximize the energy use. Air space between the insulated exterior and the masonry of the fireplace and chimney allows the stored warmth to continue to warm the interior. Bartel face tile and hearth tile with features the tulip poplar leaf and flower motif.

above – the view – west windows

The flooring and stairs are hickory.
Doors and trim are tulip poplar.

 

The roof is built from 10-inch structural insulated panels that span 8-foot spaces between the hand-hewn support beams.

Custom designed stoneware tile using
tulip tree leaf and flower motif.

DESIGN PHILOSOPHY

 

A Good design adds much more value than it costs.

 

  1. owner identity
  2. low maintenance
  3. high quality – not too large
  4. integrity of materials – no fake materials may be used
  5. timeless by virtue of unique aesthetics – not “another one of those”
  6. fits the setting with character
  7. careful crafting
  8. energy efficient
  9. artistic and memorable

 

Updated September 15, 2004

The room features hand hewn posts and beams taken from a nearby barn.

Designed for:
Tulip Creek Nature Center
Nobel County north of Ligonier, Indiana,
on CR 900 W.
phone 260.894.4250

 

Builders:
Dana Miller and Jim Brubaker, 2004

 

Construction Design and Photos, Marvin Bartel 2004

© Marvin Bartel. Available for use under the CC BY License.