Wormsloe State Park Visitor Center

The new visitor center at Wormsloe State Park provides retail, office and assembly space for approximately 185,000 annual visitors.

The use of large overhangs and covered porches reflect a regional type of architecture once common throughout the southeast. These overhangs shade the building from the high summer sun while open porches provide a covered place to relax and enjoy the natural breezes.    On cool winter days the porch’s large fireplace keeps the visitors warm.

The 6,000 SF structure is a combination of conventional wood framing and exposed heavy wood timber. The calming effects of wood along with its known acoustical properties make it an ideal material for both exterior and interior finishes. Repurposed materials from on-site structures and the use of old construction techniques provided opportunities to respect the history and traditions of the area. Slate shingles on the wall above the retail desk were repurposed from an old structure on the property. The metal gates hanging above the fireplace were also from the original site. Sustainable features include a bio-retention raingarden, and the use of a native plants appropriate for the coastal plain and found at the Isle of Hope.