Friday

07-04-2025 Vol 2011

Colorado Building Workshop Partners with The Colorado Land Board for Bird Banding Classroom and Cabins

The Colorado Building Workshop (CBW) at the University of Colorado Denver has joined forces with The Colorado Land Board to create an innovative bird banding classroom and cabins at the Chico Basin Ranch in Hanover, Colorado.

This collaboration reflects CBW’s commitment to ecological diversity and conservation, as the ranch serves as a vital hub for the research of over 330 bird species.

The facility will act as both a classroom and a research center, focusing on bird banding to study migratory patterns and assess the health of ecosystems.

Students in the design-build certificate program are taking part in every phase of the project, from conception to final construction, which emphasizes hands-on learning and real-world experience.

The architecture of the outdoor classroom and cabins pays homage to traditional barn structures while integrating modern elements to enhance observation, education, and research.

In an exciting first, this project utilizes 100% Colorado lumber for its cross-laminated timber, sourced specifically to reduce waste and promote sustainability.

The building’s design embodies several guiding principles established by the CBW team, including a focus on sustainability, the use of honest materials, and a strong connection to the local environment.

Prof. Rick Sommerfeld, director of the Colorado Building Workshop, expressed that the design aims to honor the site’s natural characteristics and resources, which are fundamental to preserving ecological integrity.

Students were divided into five teams, addressing various components of the project, including cabins, roof, screen, foundation, and storage.

Madeline Fulmer, a Master of Architecture student on the Screen Team, shares her enlightening journey throughout the project.

“This program made me a stronger designer and a better human,” Fulmer stated.

She emphasized that working on-site allowed her to gain a deep respect for labor and craftsmanship, components often overlooked in traditional architecture education.

Fulmer’s team designed the east and west facades of the building using lightweight cords made from Colorado pine, leveraging logs that would have otherwise been discarded.

Summer Svedlow, another Master of Architecture student from the Screen Team, echoed Fulmer’s sentiments on team cooperation.

“Being able to work in a team is much better than working alone,” Svedlow noted.

Her experience at CBW has enriched her understanding of design and construction, valuable knowledge she can apply in her future endeavors.

Rita Pickern, a Master of Architecture student from the Foundation Team, found her experience at CBW transformative.

“It bridged the gap between theory and practice,” said Pickern.

She expressed that her hands-on experience improved her ability to understand structural integrity and collaboration in real-world scenarios.

Her focus on the foundation team allowed her to grasp the importance of precision at the base level, showing her how the overall structure is impacted by initial groundwork.

Meanwhile, Hannah White, another Master of Architecture student from the Screen Team, shared her excitement about having a role in defining work zones with innovative metal frames and engaging design choices.

“We developed a grid-like framework using hot-rolled steel and introduced a shadow line in our construction detail,” White explained.

Her team also made thoughtful decisions about the specific arrangements of materials to foster human interaction and ecological movement within the site.

One highlight for White was the collaborative experience of building a mock-up late one night in the workshop.

The teamwork and energy during this process solidified their design for the building and contributed to creating a memorable, supportive atmosphere.

Ultimately, the Chico Basin Ranch bird banding classroom and cabins embody the principles of ecological stewardship while providing an innovative educational environment.

Students at the Colorado Building Workshop are gaining invaluable lessons that define their architectural education, ensuring a strong connection between design, local materials, and the natural world.

image source from:news

Abigail Harper