Roatan Marine
Research Center

Roatan, Honduras

As part of a research project in bamboo construction, our third year studio at Kansas State University was tasked with designing a marine research center that protects and studies the surrounding wildlife while also acting as a prominent tourist attraction for the island. Following the architectural program the structure was to be constructed from locally sourced materials that would have a minimal impact on the local ecosystem and be resilient to harsh ocean air. Our team also designed the center to utilize a number of passive systems such as rain water collection, stacked ventilation, and a double roof system in an effort to reduce the building’s reliance on mechanical systems.