Little
The Orange Audubon Center at Apopka Birding Park
Education Center
Apopka, Florida
Project Type
Adaptive Reuse, Civic & Cultural
Size
3,400 Square Feet
Design Services
Architecture, Interior Architecture, Sustainability
Result
Zero-Energy, 75% water use reduction
The Orange Audubon Center at Apopka Birding Park is an ambitious project integrating education, conservation, and sustainability to transform a former industrial site into a destination for ecological regeneration and birdwatching.
The 70-acre park features walking trails, restored bird habitats, and native plant gardens, all anchored by an educational nature center located at the entrance to Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive. The Orange Audubon Society collaborated with Little to renovate a 64-year-old truck repair shop, transforming it into a LEED Gold-certified facility. The building will serve as an immersive space celebrating Central Florida’s diverse bird populations with a thoughtful design to enhance public appreciation for the region’s rich ecological heritage.
Design Awards
- AIA Orlando – Award of Merit, Unbuilt Category
Certifications
- Pursuing LEED Gold
Project Goals
The Orange Audubon Center at Apopka Birding Park is designed to connect people with nature, inspiring a love for birdwatching and a commitment to environmental responsibility.
As the home of the Orange Audubon Society, the center will expand its reach in education and conservation while showcasing cutting-edge sustainability practices. Welcoming families, school groups, and nature enthusiasts alike, the center aims to be a regional destination that fosters a lifelong dedication to protecting the environment.
DESIGN OBJECTIVES
- Create dynamic visitor experiences
- Rehabilitate the land to support plant and animal diversity
- Serve as a model for sustainability
- Connect people with nature
- Champion bird conservation and environmental stewardship
SOLUTIONS
Rooted in sustainability, Little’s design reimagines the aging truck shop and its surroundings as a nature center that blends effortlessly with its natural setting.
RENOVATE VS BUILDING NEW
Renovate for a reduced carbon footprint
As part of the larger mission to restore Lake Apopka the Education Center will not just rejuvenate the abandoned truck stop but also renew the surrounding landscape. By repurposing the existing structure, the project significantly reduces embodied carbon—the emissions associated with new materials and construction processes.
IMPLEMENT SUSTAINABLE DESIGN FEATURES
Designing for harmony with nature
This zero-energy project incorporates a rooftop PV array, natural materials, and rainwater harvesting strategies, helping to achieve a 75% reduction in water use. By restoring native flora and fauna across the roughly one-acre perimeter surrounding the nature center, the design fosters a thriving habitat, blending environmental stewardship with meaningful ecological impact.
CRAFT AN IMMERSIVE VISITOR EXPERIENCE
Inspiring connections to nature and conservation
The visitor center is a regional destination, inviting guests to explore the ecology of Lake Apopka’s North Shore through interactive exhibits, flexible spaces, and engaging educational programs. Large viewports in the observation area all to gaze upon the beautiful natural surroundings while allowing soft indirect daylight to illuminate the space.
“This center symbolizes the spirit of regeneration and education that has guided the restoration of Lake Apopka. It’s not just a place for birdwatching; it’s a call to action for conservation.”
— Deborah Green
President, Orange Audubon Society
Results
The Orange Audubon Center at Apopka Birding Park will be a zero-energy facility that achieves a 75% reduction in water use while blending seamlessly with its restored natural surroundings to help local flora and wildlife thrive.
