University of California Hopland Research & Extension Center
Roderick A. Shippey Field Laboratory & Education Facility

The project began with an on-site workshop including Center staff and U.C. Extension Agents to develop goals, a program and a plan for a modest, low-budget multi-use conference center and research labs. Many of the staff have been at the Center for decades, and their deep knowledge of the place guided the design intent from the very beginning.

The building is composed of simple barn-like forms designed to provide passive summer shade and winter warmth. Many of the surrounding trees are riddled with holes—caused by acorn woodpeckers, who drill holes and plant acorns, which then sprout worms that are the woodpecker's food. Instead of placing a cement board sheathing that would detract the woodpeckers, we are using a material that will provide the necessary performance for the building envelope, as well as to celebrate the unique aspects of this particular place. We look forward to the random patterns the woodpeckers will eventually create on this external material.

Paul Roberts & Partners is the architect of record and, as of fall of 2008, this project is in construction documents phase.