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Elfin Forest Interpretive Center
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The result of a joint effort between the Olivenhain Municipal Water District and the Escondido Creek Conservancy, the Elfin Forest Interpretive Center provides the surrounding community and tourists with environmental education about the unique native plants and wildlife that inhabit the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve while simultaneously providing a welcoming meeting place at the entrance of the preserve for hikers, bikers, users of the equestrian trails, and a home-base for the park ranger staff.
Hubbell & Hubbell was selected to design the Interpretive Center within the footprint of an existing display structure in the Reserve parking area. Within these strict design parameters, the structure’s phased design nonetheless met construction grant funding timelines, and also allowed time to fundraise for Phase II.
Phase I consists of a building “shell” for the center with an innovative Green Roof. The walls are constructed of reinforced Perform Wall – a highly-insulated polystyrene and concrete material made of 85% post-consumer recycled content. Raised planters around the outside of the building provide the building with additional insulation through their contained earth, and visually make the structure feel like it’s a part of the surrounding land. A living roof, planted with draught tolerant plants further helps blend the building into the site and water run-off from the living roof helps irrigate the surrounding planters, reusing and reducing water consumption. The roof is vaulted to the south, assisting in natural daylighting and passive heating and cooling. Photovoltaic panels provide all energy for this off-grid building, and this cut-down on energy consumption is assisted by two slot windows in the rear wall and an operable skylight, which help provide natural ventilation to the interior of the center.
Phase II, Interpretive Art Elements, added artistic embellishment and further design to the Interpretive center. The central column, cast in concrete, provides a variation on the Chinese cloud column (traditionally carved in white marble). An interpretation of rain falling from the sky is inlaid in the floor with glazed tile, visually telling visitors how the Escondido Creek runs through Elfin Forest and out to the sea. A ceiling mural shows the four seasons of the river’s flora and fauna. Two interior columns contain metal pipes for support and are surrounded by sculpted relief glazed clay, illustrating life in and around the creek.