Cranberry Lake Preserve
West Harrison, NY
A mixed hardwood forest, cliffs, a 4 acre lake, vernal ponds, swamp and abandoned quarry are found in the 190 acre Cranberry Lake Preserve, a Westchester County park. STA is designing and siting in the landscape a replacement for the park’s undersized, heavily used Nature Lodge. The new 2420 square foot education center demonstrates Passive House principles, with a highly insulated enclosure, fastidiously sealed window openings, and renewable construction materials. Stone found on the site is incorporated into the work. The facility houses permanent and changing exhibits, a gathering space, rudimentary lab and offices for staff and rest rooms for school and summer camp programs as well as regular visitors to the park.