Desert-Topped Gateway Building Blends in with Magestic McDowell Sonoran Preserve

This stunning, LEED Platinum and Net-Zero building by <a href="http://www.weddlegilmore.com/work/gateway-to-the-mcdowell-sonoran-preserve#/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/01_Gateway_McDowell_01.jpg">Weddle Gilmore Black Rock Studio</a> really sets the tone for the majestic McDowell Sonoran Preserve behind it. Built with the help of 4,200 volunteer hours out of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/rock-solid-rammed-earth-office-by-david-marchetti/">rammed earth</a> and topped with a desert-cobbled roof, the Gateway treads gently and reminds bikers, hikers, and horse-riders to do the same. It also harvests 100% of the water required for landscape irrigation and produces all of the energy it needs to operate. Despite the modest construction so typical of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/solar-decathlon-kicked-off-the-mall-by-national-park-service/">park service buildings</a>, this gateway to desert heaven is definitely easy on the eyes.

This building has been LEED Platinum certified and has a net-zero impact.

The preserve has 45 miles of hiking trails. The building is the gateway to these.

90% of the wasted construction materials were sent for recycling

Rather than displacing native flora, this project actually rehabilitated a host of arroyos.

All of the building's energy is produced via a 18KW solar system.

The desert-cobbled roof allows the building to blend with its surroundings.

Rainwater is harvested and then stored in an underground cistern.

Despite its rammed earth construction, this building features all of the performance associated with modern structures.

20% of the remaining building was made from recycled materials.

The solar panels produce all of the building's required energy, making it a net zero project.

Albeit simple, this park service building is definitely easy on the eyes!