Working from a schematic design prepared by the National Park Service and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Siegel & Strain completed design for a new visitor center, entry station, and maintenance facility at the west entrance to Pinnacles National Monument. These buildings are off the grid, fully powered by a 37kilowatt photovoltaic system. The Visitor Center is extremely energy efficient, incorporating a passive thermal “trombe” wall. Other strategies include natural ventilation and daylighting, efficient framing, and use of local and durable materials, including local stone.
