Kitty Hollow Park Community Center

The identity of this building is defined by its prominent butterfly roof, which rises above the tree line and flies above the park. With a heavy timber structure and modern glass curtainwall, the roof creates a recognizable biophilic silhouette that feels both modern and rooted in nature. The main structure is flanked on either side by more traditionally framed metal stud construction with stone clad walls, creating the impression of two intersecting volumes unified beneath a single canopy. Expansive glazing reveals the timber structure and invites natural light deep into the interior. During rain events, the butterfly roof becomes an experiential feature, channeling water through integrated weirs down to the ends of the building where becomes a water feature before draining into a landscaped creek. What better way to embrace nature than to transform even the stormwater into a visible and beautiful moment? No matter the weather, the building enhances the park’s aesthetic and serves as a welcoming space for all. We drive the point home with a graphic mural on the building’s side that becomes the first thing guests see when driving into the parking lot, adding vibrant color and reinforcing the facility’s role as a community landmark.

Inside, the design retains the aesthetic captured form the outside and centers on flexibility. The main gathering hall is intentionally neutral and sophisticated in tone, relying on the unique structure and a vibrant “bouquet” of hanging acoustic baffles to create an event setting that can easily transform to accommodate a variety of events. Weddings, community meetings, private celebrations, and educational programs all have a home in this striking space. The suspended acoustic baffles form a dynamic overhead composition of varied shapes, sizes, and tones which creates an artistic focal point and enlivens the neutral interior. The warm brown tones of the heavy timber butterfly roof above serve to contrast and highlight this feature moment. Beyond their visual impact, these elements double as acoustic treatments. They help absorb sound and reduce reverberations, ensuring clarity and comfort during large gatherings. Other areas of the facility embrace moments of color and energy, including a visual ribbon of blue, green, and coral colors in the bathrooms surrounded by a clean, modern aesthetic. The balance between neutral finishes and strategic pops of color ensures the space feels timeless yet lively, capable of evolving with different events and user groups.

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Furniture and layout planning were approached with adaptability in mind. Interior furnishings can be configured for various private and community events based on changing needs. We looked at how the space works with classroom style seating, large round tables, and more ubiquitous rectangle tables, all of which can be stored in the on-site storage room when not in use. Durable yet refined selections ensure longevity while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere. Outside, seating areas are positioned to provide comfortable viewing zones where parents can relax while maintaining clear sightlines to children playing on the adjacent lawn and park amenities. Together, the interior and exterior FFE strategy supports both structured events and informal daily use, reinforcing the community center’s role as a social anchor within Kitty Hollow Park.

The final design reflects close collaboration between thearchitectural and landscape teams to ensure the building feels fully integratedwith Kitty Hollow Park. Working alongside Halff, the Landscape Architect, theproject team carefully aligned the building placement, surrounding trails, andlandscape features so the community center functions as both a destination anda natural extension of the park environment.

Positioned along the edge of the open lawn and trail system,the building creates a strong visual focal point while remaining approachablefrom multiple paths throughout the park. The surrounding landscape frames viewsof the butterfly roof and timber structure while guiding visitors from theparking area and trails into the central gathering space.

Together, the architecture and landscape create a unifiedexperience where the building, open lawn, and circulation paths support oneanother. The result is a welcoming community hub that serves park visitorsthroughout the day while also providing a memorable setting for events andgatherings.