L. Robert Rolde Memorial Nature Center at Fields Pond

The Green Architecture of the Rolde Nature Center

by Meg Haskell

The next time you come to the Fields Pond Nature Center, take a moment to consider the grace and simplicity of the L. Robert Rolde Building.

Approached from the road, it seems almost to have grown where it stands; it feels "organic" to its situation in the old farm fields. Inside, the clean, open floor plan, natural lighting, and high ceilings adapt the building to a variety of uses and seasons. This is a building that feels like part of the landscape, like it's been here forever.

But what may seem like a "natural" blend of art and function is actually the result of much planning and research. This year-old building not only pleases the senses but also meets the stringent demands of its environmentally-minded designers and users. Consistent with the policies of the Maine Audubon Society, Fields Pond Building Committee chair Jim Hinds wanted a building that respected the environment, made use of sustainable and recycled materials, and would promote environmental awareness.

The result is the L. Robert Rolde Nature Center, designed by Holland and Foley Building Designs of Northport, Maine, and named in honor of the lead donor's late father. The 2400 square foot building rests on a previous building site, and required minimal disturbance of the surrounding soil and vegetation. Because it takes advantage of existing vegetation, the building is sheltered from winter winds and summer sun, and boasts a low-maintenance, water-efficient landscape. Large, south-facing windows gather the sun's energy, and in the lofty, open space heat circulates evenly.

The designers chose building materials for their renewable, low-technology sources and for their recycled contents. Thus, the steel studs in the walls are made with 30% recycled metal, the insulation is nearly 100% recycled newspaper, and the wallboard is up to 20% recycled gypsum. All plastic and aluminum materials are high in recycled content as well, and the durable linoleum on the floor is made of linseed oil, wood flour, and jute. Wood trim in the building makes use of both heart and sap woods, resulting in a colorful appearance and low waste of the native maple. Interior paints and carpets were chosen for their low-fume, low volatile organic compound content, enhancing the healthy indoor environment of this weathertight structure. Artificial heat in the nature center is provided by a small propane furnace.

If you like the "message" of the Rolde Center -- that grace, efficiency, function, and resource conservation can and should co-exist in our structures -- you may adapt many of these building designs and materials for use in your home.

Many books and periodicals address this "green architecture"; here are a few to get you started:

The New Natural House Book by David Pearson 1998, Fireside Press
Healthy By Design by David Rousseau and James Wasley 1997, Hartley and Marks
Places of the Soul by Christopher Day 1993, Thorsons Publishing Maine Audubon staff and volunteers are proud of the Fields Pond Nature Center, and are always glad to share information and ideas about living lightly and respectfully on the land.


This article previously appeared in Habitat.