Facilities

Location: Our classroom is the natural world of the 100-acre Northpoint Ranch in Mason, Texas. Texas Nature Project selected the Hill Country for its center because of the climatological, geological and resultant biological diversity created by the Balcones Escarpment.  The collision of a tropical continent with a desert continent over 300 million years ago has created intensely delightful and complex sensory experiences that inspire, soothe, and nurture.  The ranch provides a variety of landscapes ideal for contemplation and discussion among the countless species of wild flora and fauna that find sanctuary in the outdoor classroom.

Vision: All students and visitors to Texas Nature Project’s educational facility will learn about various effects that their knowledge, decisions and choices have on our environment. Through the design of the center itself, visitors and students will learn about natural and renewable energy sources utilizing passive solar power, direct solar power, rainwater cistern, constructed wetlands, and alternative building materials and practices. This knowledge is critical to creating a sustainable world through thoughtful consumer practices.

Texas Nature Project partnered with the University of Texas School of Architecture’s Center of Sustainable Development to develop the architectural vision for the center.  All aspects of planning and execution are based upon the explicit recognition of the relatedness between natural, building and cultural systems, the importance of architectural design in preserving and transmitting culture, maximizing limited natural resources and enhancing the beauty of the natural landscape by creating space that encourages emotional, intellectual, moral, and spiritual growth.

Accommodations: Dr. Steven Moore and his Research Assistant, Douglas Campbell, have partnered with Texas Nature Project to create the schematic design for our community/residential facilities. Dr. Moore is the Director of the Sustainable Design program in the School of Architecture at the University of Texas at Austin. Every attempt is being made to minimize harmful affects to the environment in the design and construction of our facilities. The beautiful residential/community center will be constructed mainly from indigenous and recycled materials. This project offers a rare opportunity for students to participate in the creation of a fully sustainable community. During the planning and construction phases students will be housed in a renovated four-bedroom/four-bathroom building with an on-site community room, kitchen, and laundry facility. Renovation has been conducted by a "green" builder. This facility offers a warm and inviting environment for students. It is especially conducive to study and the creation of friendships.