NCSU 4-H Learning Center
Ellerbe, NC - 3,500 Sq ft
Located at the Millstone 4-H Campground in Ellerbe, NC., this special campground has a unique history. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1938, the original buildings are solidly constructed and have a rustic charm. Walking paths, lake and creek access, old shop buildings, and horse rings are all surrounded by woods and are explored daily by camp participants. This project’s challenge was to introduce a new building that would join the family of existing rustic buildings and not disrupt the existing connections between the already established facilities. The new building is designed to provide group meeting spaces, exhibit space, and a leadership hall to showcase and provide support to the NC 4-H Youth Development Program of NC State University.
With such a pristine site, minimizing site disturbance was of critical importance. The location of driveways and parking were carefully considered, and vehicular access areas were kept to a minimum to preserve as much of the wooded area and sandhills as possible. A deep wrap-around porch surrounds three sides of the building to provide outdoor meeting spaces and act as a threshold between the interior spaces and the remainder of the campground. On the North face of the building, this porch provides a perch to overlook the abounding woods. In addition to the building, a master plan was developed for the campus to strategically identify future locations for an amphitheater, pedestrian pathways, and additional open-air gathering spaces.
