Stunning Vasquez Rocks Nature & Interpretive Center Built On the Pacific Crest Trail

Anyone brave enough to hike the 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada on the <a href="http://www.pcta.org/">Pacific Crest Trail</a> deserves to have a beautiful place to stop and reflect on nature's wonders. At least, that's the thinking behind <a href="http://www.pugh-scarpa.com/projects/vasquez.rocks">Brooks + Scarpa Architects'</a> stunning design for the Vasquez Rocks Nature and Interpretive Center in Agua Dulce. A 3,000 square foot building located in <a href="http://inhabitat.com/california-desert-home-uses-passive-ventilation-techniques/deserthouse_lloydrusell1/">California's high desert</a>, this design is intended to be visually comparative to its awesome natural surroundings. And it's also super efficient thanks to a series of <a href="http://www.stumbleupon.com/url/inhabitat.com/marc-boutins-modern-frame-house-showcases-passive-solar-design/">passive design strategies</a>.

The designers felt that this special site in California's high desert deserved special prominence

So they've built a high-performance building that is comparable to its beautiful natural surroundings

Orientation shields the building from harsh summer sunlight while simultaneously allowing the low winter sun to enter during colder months.

This ensures high energy efficiency

The roof is slanted to harvest rainwater

The 3,000 square foot building lies on the famous Pacific Crest Trail!