This conceptual proposal integrates the programming vision developed by the Trustees of Reservations with a plan developed by the Conway School and the unique characteristics of the site. The existing house would be restored with appropriate green building practices to accommodate the Conservation Center. The surrounding landscape including the Gathering Area nearest the Conservation Center might include water harvesting technology, well sited trees and no mow zones to mimic natural systems and reduce waste and heating and water costs. The proposed Education Barn and Library provide indoor and outdoor gathering spaces for lectures, concerts and exhibits through creative adaptation of existing structures. The Gardens might show different scales of agriculture and demonstrate up to date gardening/farming practices for visitors. The Heirloom Apple orchard could help to preserve heritage stock of apples in the Pioneer Valley and create compelling spaces for walking. The Sugar Maple Edge would give visitors a strong sense of place as they arrive at the reservation, and help to frame views of the apple orchard and the fields beyond.
This vision embraces the integration of built environment and landscape. All components contained within would function together to create a resilient, contained system with minimal inputs from outside sources. People working at the reservation and those that visit for concerts or conferences could glimpse processes like water harvesting, passive solar gain and composting, understand them and be inspired to perhaps work them into their own spaces. The Bullitt reservation can be a model for the upside of responsible, adaptive development of existing sites in the Hilltowns and other places.
