Cylburn Arboretum Friends Nature Education Center

MFSE staff provided structural services for the renovation of the 3,300 sf, historic Carriage House designed in the 1870’s by the renowned architect of the Baltimore City Hall, George Frederick, and a 4,500 sf contemporary addition to create the Nature Education Center.

This innovative space includes interpretive area as well as classrooms, a library, and offices for the non-profit Cylburn Arboretum Friends.

Stabilization and restoration of the historic structure included removing non-historic elements; stabilizing the exterior stone masonry; returning the porch to the original design; and integrating modern systems and support spaces such as a new egress stair and elevator. The contemporary addition highlights its exposed heavy timber structural frame evoking a canopy of branches with large expanses of glass providing a visual connection to the exterior. A secondary rear addition provides new restrooms and storage to support the function of the facility. The use of insulated roof and wall sheathing panels and the introduction of a green roof on the storage building contributed to the sustainability goals for the project.