The Gulf State Park Interpretive Center creates a better future for people because it’s built from the best traditions of our past.
For more than 11,000 years, people along the Gulf thrived by knowing how to use the things around them. That’s the philosophy that the Gulf State Park Interpretive Center is built upon … make a building from nearby materials and take advantage of the sun’s warmth and the cool Gulf breeze.The Living Building Challenge’s ambitious guidelines point the way to a world that is healthy and happy through better buildings.
By combining new technologies with timeless know-how, LBC makes it possible to create buildings—like the Interpretive Center (IC)—that give more than they take.
The IC is Alabama’s most environmentally-friendly building and is pursuing LEED Platinum and full Living Building Challenge certifications.
The seven LBC principles put people and place first. These guidelines create a path for building in ways that are in harmony with—and can even restore—the environment.
When designing the Interpretive Center, we decided it should not just become a part of the fragile dune system, but also help it grow stronger.
The Living Building Challenge guidelines include seven principles, or petals:
The Interpretive Center was designed to honor the dune landscape it’s built within, and to be a good neighbor to the surrounding communities and environments. It’s an inviting gateway for helping people connect to the natural environment in this amazing Park.
The water used at the IC comes from rainwater that is collected, stored, and treated on site. The IC’s water tank holds 11,000 gallons—more than enough to quench the thirst of Park visitors!
The IC’s design combines more than 50 solar panels, clever materials, and efficient batteries to make and store more than 100% of the electricity it needs.
The IC is built to enhance your connection and access to nature. It is also built with materials that are healthier for you.
The IC is made from things that do no harm to people or the environment—today, tomorrow, and forever! It was built by recycling as much as possible, wasting as little as possible, and using things from as nearby as possible.
Beauty means the Interpretive Center is built with respect for and as part of the dune landscape. On the IC’s porch, you’re never far from a gorgeous view or an inspiring discovery.
The pedestrian bridges at the Interpretive Center and the Lodge make crossing the busy road safer and easier for everyone. They connect the entire Park making its trails and diverse ecosystems accessible to everyone.
To meet the Living Building Challenge benchmarks, the Interpretive Center has to gather more water and create more energy than it needs.
The LBC kiosk on the exterior of the building shows how the IC is currently using electricity and water … in real-time! Even when you aren’t at the IC, you can click below to see how we’re doing.
The IC’s smart systems measure everything. They know precisely how much water and sunlight have been collected and where they are being used.
The IC is built to help you connect with the beautiful nature inGulf State Park. With access to the Park’s extensive trail network and engaging interpretive exhibits, it’s the perfect place to launch your Gulf State Park adventure.
The exhibits will help you discover all the Park has to offer and connect you to the LBC systems that make the IC such a special building.
We hope the IC inspires you to explore Gulf State Park and that it also inspires you to imagine a world where buildings can make it a better place.
Want a deeper look at what makes the Interpretive Center one of the world’s most sustainable buildings?