Spring Mountains National Recreation Area Built Environment Image Guide

BBuilding u i l d i n g from f r o m tthe h e Earth E a r t h

United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service Intermountain Region Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest February 2007

Spring Mountains National Recreation Area Built Environment Image Guide

U. S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Spring Mountains National Recreation Area 4701 North Torrey Pines Drive Las Vegas, NV 89130

Prepared by: Shapins Associates 1818 16th St. Boulder, CO 80302

AJC Architects 703 East 1700 South Salt Lake City, UT 84105

Consultants: National Park Service Final Document Denver Service Center February 2007

Chapter 1: Introduction ...... 1 Purpose and Background 2 Contents Relationship to Built Environment Image Guide 2 Audience 2 Concessions Design 3 High Desert Zone Considerations 45 Facilities Outside of the National Recreation Area 3 Forested Zone Considerations 46 Materials 47 Guidelines Format 3 Scale/Massing 48 Form 49 Chapter 2: Planning Context...... 5 Color 50 Location 6 4.3 Buildings 52 Regional Character 7 Building Character 52 Spring Mountains National Recreation Area Character 8 Architectural Elements 53 Landscape Ecology 8 Massing and Scale 53 ROS Settings 12 Base 55 Cultural Influences 13 Walls 57 Windows and Openings 59 Chapter 3: Vision and Principles...... 17 Roofs 61 Structure 63 Chapter 4: Design Guidelines ...... 23 Materials 65 4.1 Site Structure 25 Unifying Characteristics Between Zones 67 Site Selection 25 Synthesis Drawings of Architectural Facilities 68 Site Planning 26 4.4 Landscape Improvements 77 Village 26 Paving 77 Picnic and Day Uses 28 Paving – Stairs 83 Campgrounds 30 Walls 84 Scenic Overlooks 31 Fences, Rails and Safety Barriers 90 Major Trailheads 32 Seating – Benches 93 Maintenance/Operations 33 Seating – Group 95 Drainage 34 Sign Bases 96 Grading 35 Shade Shelters 99 Roadways 36 Art 101 Parking 37 Paved and Special Trails 38 Appendices 103 Open Play Areas 39 ...... Functional Plantings 40 A.1 LEED Criteria/Checklist 104 Plant Lists 41 A.2 Light 107 Plant Restoration 43 A.3 Potential Stone Suppliers 112 4.2 Overall Development Character and Appearance 44 A.4 Potential Products or Specifications 113 Transition Zone - the Baseline for Design Guidelines 44 A.5 SMNRA BEIG Implementation and Variance Review Process 115 i

Chapter 1 Building from the Earth

area’s plants and animals evolved in Relationship to Built isolation and the range is home to Environment Image 1. Introduction many plant and animal species found nowhere else. The Spring Mountains, Guide from their lowest elevations to their highest, should be considered part This document supplements the Built of the Mojave Desert for design Environment Image Guide (BEIG), purposes. The Mojave Desert’s built which provides guidelines for the Forest Service nationwide, including character and use of materials that environment should reflect its unique Purpose and the Mojave Desert. These design both reflect and fit into their setting. natural and cultural characteristics. guidelines allow designers to respond Background Final design must respond to the Facilities should connect visitors with to the National Recreation Area’s specific environment and user needs. the surrounding landscape. This design guideline provides unique characteristics. direction for designing facilities The landscape is generally made The Spring Mountains are a unique Main concepts within the BEIG within the Spring Mountains National up of three ecological zones: High collection of landscape types in should be used in tandem with this Recreation Area and its diverse Desert, Transition, and Forested. The environments. the American Southwest. The document. range is an isolated “sky island,” majority of planned facilities will be located in the Transition zone. Recommendations focus on the meaning that it is separated from Audience other ecologically similar areas by Therefore this zone was used as the appearance and function of facilities. foundation for the Design Guidelines. Facilities should have a uniform large tracts of desert. As a result This document is meant for those of this physical disconnection, the Specifics pertaining to the other involved in planning, designing, two zones are described in section constructing or rehabilitating facilities 4.2 of Chapter 4. Section 4.3, which within the Spring Mountains National covers guidelines for buildings, lists Recreation Area. It will help designers differences for all three zones. and reviewers adhere to common goals, standards and measures. The Forest Service’s Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) is The document also provides guidance integral to these guidelines. The for operations and maintenance primary goal is to help visitors make employees who manage, repair or a smooth transition from the nearby replace existing facilities. Guidelines urban areas to the Spring Mountains are provided to help this group choose National Recreation Area’s natural products and materials compatible environment. to the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area’s design environment. The Spring Mountains are a “Sky Island” in the Mojave Desert. 2 Introduction

Concessions Designers should creatively use the vision and principles in this document Concession facilities, although many to guide decisions in such a situation. times not constructed by the Forest Service, should fit visually within the Facilities outside the National Spring Mountains National Recreation Recreation Area may include visitor Area’s facility design framework. centers and offices. Smaller facilities Therefore, design of concessions outside the Spring Mountains facilities should follow the principles National Recreation Area boundary contained within this document and might include scenic overlooks from the Built Environment Image Guide which visitors could view and learn (BEIG). Design reviewers should also about the Spring Mountains National use both documents as benchmarks. Recreation Area.

Related Facilities Outside Document Format the Spring Mountains The Spring Mountains National Recreation Area is a unique landscape, and a subset National Recreation Area Chapter One summarizes information regarding the Spring Mountains of design guidelines is needed in addition to those found in the BEIG Certain Spring Mountains National National Recreation Area and the Recreation Area facilities may be built use of these guidelines. Chapter landscape improvements, buildings, outside of the National Recreation Two presents the planning context in development character, and site Area’s borders. Although these which this document was produced. improvements. Part of this section also facilities will be located in a different Chapter Three presents the overall provides site planning considerations context, their design should still vision for Spring Mountains National for several types of areas, including reflect the principles contained within Recreation Area facilities and the the proposed developed visitor center this document and the BEIG. This overall design principles that apply to and “village” along S.R. 157, picnic will help visitors identify with the all facilities. areas, campgrounds, major trailheads, character of the National Recreation overlooks and maintenance facilities. Chapter Four provides the main Area and the ethic of the Forest guidance for planning and designing Service before setting foot in the each of the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. However, National Recreation Area facilities. It Forest Service information facilities begins by describing how individual and buildings located within a highly elements fit together and relate to designed setting, such as the Middle the environment. It then proceeds to Kyle Canyon Complex, may need to greater levels of detail by discussing be adapted to fit with their context. 3

Chapter 2 Planning Context Building from the Earth

2. Planning Context

Location

The 316,000 acre Spring Mountains National Recreation Area contains tracts of Mojave Desert and high mountain peaks. The National Recreation Area lies just 30 minutes northwest of Las Vegas and currently hosts approximately two million visitors each year.

Many of the National Recreation Area’s visitors are not familiar with the sensitivity and uniqueness of this landscape. Most are drawn to the National Recreation Area’s upper Kyle and Lee canyons in the summer. Temperatures are 20-30 degrees cooler than in Las Vegas. In winter, the snow attracts large numbers of visitors. The land surrounding State Routes 156, 157 and 158 contain the majority of the National Recreation Area’s recreation facilities and will likely receive a number of future facilities. The west side of the National Recreation Area—near Pahrump— may also receive facilities in the future.

Location and context map

6 Planning Context

Regional Character The Mojave Desert has a different character than other areas in the Southwest, largely because of the extremely dry hot summer climate. These weather conditions made it less hospitable to early settlers. Until recently, the population consisted of a small number of homesteaders, ranchers, and miners.

Much of the area was not homesteaded and the Federal Government retains ownership of much of the land. As a result, the Mojave landscape remains largely undeveloped and open.

Las Vegas is an exception to this Goodsprings has many examples of early Mojave Desert situation. The city started out as architecture—such as the saloon building pictured above a railroad stop facility, but by the mid-1900’s had become a gaming destination. Facilities were not designed to reflect the surrounding environment. The Spring Mountains National Recreation Area presents an opportunity to provide a natural setting with the planning and design of facilities.

Contemporary Las Vegas’s entertainment architecture is not consistent with the surrounding landscape

7 Building from the Earth

Spring Mountains National Recreation Contained within this alluvium are Cobbly canyon walls in the Area Character “calcrete” formations—cement-like Spring Mountains are a alluvial deposits hardened by calcium result of alluvial mud flows Landscape Ecology carbonate from higher-up limestone rocks. Calcrete is more resistant to Geology erosion than surrounding sediments, The Spring Mountains’ peaks consist resulting in landforms that stand primarily of porous gray limestone alone because adjacent rock and other and brown-tinted dolomite, with material has completely eroded away. impressive cliffs and shallow caves. At their base are ancient alluvial deposits Most of the Spring Mountains’ creeks into which drainages have cut steep and washes flow infrequently, with valleys and deep canyons. Unlike most of their drainage below-surface. Rock formations are alluvial deposits in wetter climates, However, when this subsurface created from calcrete and these have an irregular composition drainage hits an underground are common within the of boulders, cobbles, pebbles and sand obstacle, the water comes to the lower reaches of the Spring deposited by mud flows. surface and forms a spring. There Mountains are many such springs in the Spring Mountains.

Limestone forms the base of the Spring Mountains, and is exposed in the upper reaches of the area

Kyle Canyon is representative of the alluvial deposits that lie in the lower reaches of the Spring Mountains 8 Planning Context

Landscape Character The Spring Mountains traverse three main landscape types in a very short distance: High Desert, Transition, and Forested. Forested A several thousand foot elevation change causes large temperature, precipitation and vegetation variations Transition from the Mountains’ base to their alpine peaks. Vegetation creates High washes of color varying from olive- Desert green woodlands to gray-green shrublands. Geology adds browns of Landscape Zones Landscape Zones of the Spring Mountains. Although alluvial plains and canyons, and gray- Forested the Transition zone occupies only a small elevation browns of dramatic limestone and range, it represents most of the area which will receive Transition dolomite rock formations. developed facilities within the National Recreation Area High Desert During the summer the area is hot and dry with an ever-present threat of forest fire. Because of the aridity, most days are sunny with clear skies.

9 Building from the Earth

High Desert Transition The High Desert zone is dominated Characteristics of the high desert Located within the Mountains’ mid­ Characteristics of this zone are: by a diverse expanse of shrubs, Joshua include: range elevations—meaning 6,000 to • Vegetation provides some respite trees, and cactus on desert uplands. It • Immense horizontal vistas 7,000 feet where precipitation is greater from the hot desert sun occurs on slopes, hillsides, and washes than eight inches—the Transition • Horizontal landforms and flat with alluvial soils at elevations of • Wide-open landscape zone is characterized by pinyon-juniper benches alternate with steep about 4,000 to 5,000 feet. woodlands. These woodlands have • Colors dominated by buff soil valleys and canyons and accented by sparse vegetation short (usually less than 20-feet tall) evergreen trees mixed with a variety • Colors more diverse than other • Disturbances are slow to heal of desert and upland shrubs. Being zones—dominated by buff • Water and shade are crucial enclosed by vegetation is balanced by soil/rocks, and gray-greens to exposure to long vistas in this zone. medium-greens from vegetation • Intense sunshine and heat The Transition Zone was chosen as • Long vistas are balanced by the baseline for these design guidelines feelings of enclosure within (see page 44). pinyon/juniper woodlands

• Disturbances to soil and vegetation heal slowly • Summer sun can be intense

High Desert areas have long horizontal vistas and Transition elevations are the most common landscape within the intense sunshine/heat Spring Mountains National Recreation Area 10 Planning Context

Forested Above 7,000 feet, temperatures are General characteristics of this cooler, precipitation increases and landscape are: high mountain slopes are covered by • Long vistas typically on a forest of large ponderosa pine, white mountain tops only; otherwise fir and bristlecone pine. Trees are vegetation encloses the visitor often 50 feet or taller, and vegetation dominates the landscape. The • Feeling of protection within trees understory can be open or shrubby. • Visual emphasis is vertical due to Disturbed areas, such as avalanche tall trees and large boulders. corridors, may be dominated by nearly pure stands of quaking aspen. Near • Colors are generally darker than timberline, trees decline in height to other two zones dwarfed, gnarled, prostrate individuals • Coolest zone deformed by the wind. • Shelter from the sun less important • Shelter from rain, snow and cold more important

The forested landscape offers fairly lush vegetation and cooler temperatures. 11 Building from the Earth

ROS Categories Roaded The Recreation Opportunity The Design Guidelines concentrate Urban Rural Spectrum (ROS) is used by the U.S. on the Urban, Rural and Roaded Natural Forest Service to help determine Natural settings because this is the scale, amount, and type of where the vast majority of developed development at different sites. It is facilities will occur. Urban and Rural based on the premise that people will likely have the more elaborate Visitor expect certain levels of development facilities, while Roaded Natural will Management related to the character of the setting have very simple facilities. and the type of recreation they prefer.

The Spring Mountains National Recreation Area contains the full Site Hardening range of ROS categories, which include Urban, Rural, Roaded Natural, Semi-Primitive Motorized, Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized and Primitive. Readers and users of this Refined/Complex document should reference the most Facility Design recent map of ROS objectives to determine the ROS class applicable to a given project.

Many of the National Recreation Area’s facilities will be located within Rustic Materials Urban, Rural and Roaded Natural settings, with their design goal being to help visitors make a smooth mental transition from these areas to less developed settings. Hopefully this will foster respect in visitors for the Naturalness area’s sensitive natural environments and signal the types of activities appropriate for these settings. ROS Categories customized for Spring Mountains National Recreation Area designed environments 12 Planning Context

Cultural Influences Las Vegas Area The main city in the Spring The Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce Mountains area, Las Vegas had now promotes the city as “The humble beginnings. It was known Entertainment Capital of the World,” mainly for its oasis-like springs, as and many tourists consider it a sort a stop on the Spanish Trail to Los of playland getaway. Indeed, visitors Angeles, and as an early 1900’s can spend time in large resorts that railroad stop. replicate—on a fantastic and brightly lit scale—aspects of mythical places, However, with legalization of famous cities and exotic countries, gambling in 1931, Federal dollars among other themes. from building the Hoover Dam, and the coming of military and The city has also been successful in defense industries during World War attracting businesses, and retirees are II, Las Vegas became a significant now coming to Las Vegas in great community. The city’s best-known numbers. As a result, it is one of the architecture—that of the Las Vegas fastest-growing cities in the United Casino architecture along the Las Vegas Strip Strip and downtown casinos—was States. The architecture of most of this designed to attract gamblers. growing city is much more subdued than that of the casinos.

Shade flies kept early buildings from absorbing heat Las Vegas is growing rapidly, and large Early Downtown Las Vegas areas of tract housing are being constructed 13 Building from the Earth

History of Forest Service Walls, steps, and sign bases have been Architecture on the Spring constructed of regionally harvested Mountains NRA rubble rock. These fit perfectly within the Spring Mountains environment Traces of 1930’s Civilian Conservation and are good examples of the colors Corps (CCC) and Works Progress and forms that are appropriate for this Administration (WPA) achievements environment. are visible in areas around Las Vegas. These include structures at the Forest Other significant structures within the Service’s Administration Area in Kyle National Recreation Area were three Canyon, the Camp Lee Canyon, and bee-hive shaped charcoal kilns. These remnants of campground features, were built from block limestone in the roads, and trails throughout the 1870’s. The charcoal they produced Modern stonework with inappropriate area. These facilities were typically supported ore smelting in Tecopa CA color palette in culvert over Kyle Creek; built for standardized administrative, Limited. Other structural constructs Rustic quality of stonework is appealing recreational purposes using include cabins made from juniper inexpensive materials and modest posts and rammed adobe, logs, stacked architectural design. They are not tree limbs, and dressed stone. Limestone charcoal kiln, no longer representative of the highly crafted standing, was built of local block structures featuring native stone and limestone unhewn logs or the Spanish Colonial, Pueblo, and Territorial Revival style buildings typically associated with the CCC in the Southwest.

Structures at Kyle Ranger Station that were built by the CCC exhibit modest design

14 Planning Context

Sacred Mountains conical wood and brush structures Southern Paiute consider the Spring for habitation, rock rings for sleeping Mountains to be sacred, as it is their circles and storage caches, agave place of creation—their “Holyland.” roasting pits and rock art. Due to the Respect for the natural resources that abundance of the agave plant, which the creator has provided is paramount. grows on limestone slopes in the Unique geological features including National Recreation Area, roasting narrow canyons, caves, mountain pits are common. These features peaks, and calcrete monoliths in result in circular areas of fire-cracked and along canyon washes figure in and whitened limestone, ranging in the traditional stories and songs that diameter from six to twenty feet. sustain Southern Paiute culture. Rock art occurs here and all over the Spirits reside in all inanimate forms; world in the form of petroglyphs and to reduce harm these forms must be pictographs. Petroglyphs are pecked shown proper respect. Some geological or incised into rock surfaces, while features relay strong architectural pictographs are colored pigments that characteristics such as the narrow are painted onto rock. Some symbols slot canyon in Middle Kyle Canyon. are religious and some secular. There The Slot Canyon in Kyle Canyon holds Located in Wheeler Wash, Quiver Rock Its steep walls and narrow passage are many ideas of what the symbols special ceremonial qualities for the is a concrete monolith with spiritual enclose the space and frame the sky, represent, but their true messages may Paiutes significance for the Southern Paiutes heightening the perception of place. remain a mystery. Rock art is highly regarded and valued by American Alterations to the landscape by past Indian and many non-Indian people. American Indians included temporary

Agave roasting pits are characterized by limestone rubble at their edges

Petroglyph of bighorn sheep left by Southern Paiutes 15

Chapter 3 Visi on and Pri nnciples

Design Intent

3. Vision and Principles

The following vision for the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area’s facilities is meant to guide designers and managers in creating a special visitor experience that responds sensitively to the area’s resources. The National Recreation Area’s facilities should attain all the qualities described within the vision. RESPECTFUL AND RESPONSIBLE MINIMALISM Like the Spring Mountains—which soar above and punctuate the Mojave Desert’s simplicity— facilities within the National Recreation Area both defer to and reveal their surroundings as they emerge organically from the landscape. They create a welcoming refuge that provides relief from the elements and draws people into the landscape. Designed spaces offer open views that inspire visitors and evoke the area’s sacredness.

19 Building from the Earth Overall Principles

The overall character and appearance of future Spring Mountains National Recreation Area facilities in any ecological zone should be based on the following principles. 1. Create simple and timeless—yet contemporary—places that provide a rich variety of experiences.

2. Make facilities subordinate and complementary to the landscape, oriented to the main resources and views.

3. Provide inviting and comfortable “refuges” that entice people to linger and experience the outdoors.

4. Build only what is necessary.

5. Design multi-use facilities with a rich variety of spaces that appear as a unified whole.

6. Use simple, low, and open horizontal planes anchored by vertical elements that seem to “grow” out of the earth.

7. Intertwine indoors and outdoors so that visitors always feel connected to the landscape.

8. Locate facilities in suitable places that are buildable, accessible, serviceable and maintainable.

20 Design Intent

9. Cluster facilities in ways that create mystery and delight.

10. Concentrate facilities to minimize their environmental impact, support alternative transportation options, and maximize efficiency.

11. Minimize roads and parking and keep them away from significant natural/cultural resources and important views.

12. Use a simple palette of materials that blends into the local environment and is sensitive in size, form and color to the immediate surroundings.

13. Use durable materials that have a strong presence, weather gracefully, are vandal resistant, and need less maintenance.

14. Use plants and topography to soften built elements and integrate them into the landscape.

15. Conserve resources—such as water—through use of advanced technologies.

16. Ensure every built component is environmentally responsible according to a recognized rating system, such as U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. Meet or exceed the Agency’s goals for sustainability.

21

Chapter 4 Design Guidelines Building from the Earth

4. Design Guidelines

This chapter describes how the The next section, Development These Guidelines are not meant to principles given in the previous Character and Appearance, provides corral designers into specific design chapter should be applied. Guidelines a summary of design elements of choices. They are intended to create were created to uphold an identifiable the Spring Mountains National a cohesive look and feel to the look to Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. These elements form National Recreation Area’s facilities Recreation Area facilities, while a character for the place which refers and ensure that they are ecologically allowing designers flexibility to to how form, scale, massing, color, and visually complementary to their respond to each site’s local conditions. and materials come together to create landscape setting. Therefore, the a place’s personality. principles and individual guidelines The first section, Site Structure, have been written with flexibility provides guidelines that help the The Buildings section provides in mind—focusing on appearance, designer place facilities and design a guidelines that help translate the feeling and best practices rather than site to facilitate healthy ecological overall principles into built form. on prescriptive instructions. processes. It provides a summary of Following a discussion of architectural key use areas, which include: elements, it provides conceptual However, within Section 4.4 • Visitor Center/“Village” sketches for several building types (Landscape Improvements) specific in different landscape zones and design elements—paving patterns, • Picnic and Day Use Areas ROS settings. The Landscape benches, wall types, etc.—have been • Campgrounds Improvements section gives examples recommended for those situations • Scenic Overlooks of how materials can be used in the in which a standard or prefabricated landscape. solution is appropriate. A list of • Major Trailheads potential products is provided in • Maintenance/Operations Areas Appendix A.4.

24 Design Guidelines

4.1 Site Structure Site Selection

Appropriate site selection can help • Select sites that require preserve the sensitive resources minimal vegetation removal or that make the Spring Mountains topographic manipulation special—such as their endemic species, • Consider adjacent transportation sacred sites and scenic views. The amenities and utilities to be site surrounding a facility defines certain they are appropriate its character and provides the first for the site’s intended use and impression for visitors. expected level of visitation Creative and careful site selection can • Carefully consider facility strongly connect the built and natural placement in relation to the environments and reduce the risk of area’s endemic, endangered, and property damage from natural events threatened plant and animal such as landslides, floods, and soil habitats erosion. Proper site selection is one way to integrate development with • Locate facilities well out of the LEED requirements (see Appendix A1). 100-year flood plain The former Nel Property provides an ideal site for For example, the Village planned for • Use existing Federal/State/ Middle Kyle Canyon will make use of facility development, because it is already disturbed, County setback standards as a topographically suitable, and not near sensitive resources previously developed sites with existing minimum when placing facilities infrastructure and will be serviced by near water/wetlands public transportation. It will: • Avoid developing areas on or near • Draw people into a site through steep slopes or highly erodible its visibility/attractiveness when soils viewed from adjacent roads • For individual buildings, • Avoid placing facilities in areas place them such that they do that contain scenic quality not interrupt scenic views or • Where suitable, develop in dominate the landscape disturbed or already used areas • Generally consolidate uses and Reuse already disturbed places—such as Keep facilities away from streams, springs before considering sites that have programs to minimize building/ unused roads for trails—when possible and wetlands to protect their water quality not been previously disturbed development footprint 25 Building from the Earth

Site Planning “Village” Area The proposed visitor center/“village” • Emphasize views and connections • Incorporate high quality along S.R. 157 will be one of the most to the environment: interpretive signs/elements urban settings within the National – Cluster visitor facilities near, Recreation Area, and will thus fall but not on, the canyon edge under the urban ROS category. The – Provide views from public purpose of this facility will be to gathering areas and resting Separate automobile provide an NRA gateway and developed areas inside buildings and transit circulation recreation choices for nearby city- – Place parking away from main to prevent conflicts dwellers. It should provide services for views and the canyon visitors and help them transition into – Design the canyon rim as a the National Recreation Area’s natural Screen/buffer parking restful public place with native plants and setting, with its unique ecological Break up parking characteristics. – Evoke mystery and delight by landforms obscuring and exposing views with trees and pedestrian spines Its facilities should integrate with the while leading people to the rim surrounding landscape, helping visitors – Use low, horizontal forms that to intrinsically understand the area. don’t compete with views Facilities should provide relief from the • Include facilities as part of the Mojave Desert while also encouraging entry experience to create a sense people to experience the natural setting. of liveliness and interest Create inviting visitor • Ensure all Village elements relate • Soften parking and provide to one another and feel like one arrival plaza with comfortable pedestrian refuges intuitive wayfinding unified place and well landscaped walkways • Emphasize views into the site to • Create a diversity of comfortable spark interest of passers-by outdoor seating for all seasons Cluster buildings to • Integrate facilities with the land • Use multi-use communal spaces create an intimate to foster both social interaction • Incorporate accessibility and safety campus experience and places where visitors can feel in all designs Provide central pedestrian more private Provide viewing areas • Break up the scale and mass of spine that leads visitors to adjacent to canyon structures/hard surfaces to create a • Arrange spaces to provide for the main views rim, and keep this area comfortable campus environment light/dark, big/small, open/closed open for public use 26 Design Guidelines

Integrate and ground facilities through The Village facilities should be walls and paving that appear to grow oriented to views of Kyle Canyon, out of the earth provide multi-use communal spaces, and contain areas with native materials and art that can be used for play

Blend built and natural environments by using native materials in a structured way

Leave canyon rim available for use by all visitors 27 Building from the Earth

Picnic and Day Uses

The visitor experience of a picnic area should center around spending time in a natural setting. Group Sites Provide convenient clustered parking off the access road • Site picnic areas so they are convenient to services Minimize roads • Integrate convenient transit stops • Create centralized but convenient parking and minimize roads • Incorporate existing native Use vegetation to buffer vegetation into roads and sites sites from each other • Connect parking/sites/nearby trails with convenient paths Create informal open space area for • Orient picnic sites toward active play with attractive views or main resource adjacent seating • Keep area near views/resources open for use by all visitors • Incorporate communal open Create simple circulation areas for active play paths to connect Locate smaller group parking, picnic sites and • Provide trees or structures to sites so they can be used other trails shelter visitors from the hot sun separately or combined and to buffer individual sites • Ground and connect individual sites with seatwalls • Provide space and seating to accommodate extended families Build simple, open, • Use rocks or other informal horizontal shelters and place shelters near open elements to direct vehicles space/play area

28 Design Guidelines

Family Sites Position rest rooms Maintain native vegetation as in central location buffer to reinforce secluded feeling Create central road/ parking area that provides staging for picnic sites Use a mix of covered and open picnic sites

As needed, plant Design convenient connecting native trees to paths between facilities and provide shade adjacent hiking trails

Provide native grass areas for Create informal active play and to encourage play area with communal interactions seating

Shade and buffer sites with native trees, and use a simple materials palette— mainly walls and paving— to anchor and integrate sites with the landscape 29 Building from the Earth

Campgrounds

Campgrounds, like picnic areas, • Use modest signs and combine should respect their natural setting. them with built elements such as restrooms and trailheads • Place campgrounds away from main roads, and screen them to • Consider building information allow a peaceful experience kiosk with site map at primary service areas such as restrooms • Position campsites along short loop roads to minimize traffic passing any one campsite Developed Campground • Bestow meaningful names on campground loops to aid in cognitive mapping Centrally locate Maintain native vegetation as Create small campsite showers/comfort • Route roads and sites around buffer to reinforce secluded feeling road loops stations; consider existing native vegetation and fit kiosk with site map them to the topography • Orient sites to views or open- space to enmesh campers in the environment • Minimize and cluster structures to emphasize the natural setting • Centrally locate key facilities Cluster campsites • Link campsites/facilities/trails around open areas with convenient paths or views • Create destinations at significant resources (e.g. scenic overlook) • Include an outdoor classroom, when feasible and appropriate Link campsites with • Provide trees or structures to Significant View other facilities/trails shelter visitors from the elements

30 Design Guidelines

Scenic Overlooks

Many opportunities exist for scenic • Carefully integrate interpretive overlooks in the Spring mountains elements so they do not distract National Recreation Area. Overlooks from the view and setting must be carefully designed to allow for • Where appropriate, use viewing both efficient pedestrian movement assists such as viewing tubes or and quiet contemplation. telescopes to focus attention on key elements and enhance views • Establish overlooks at key viewpoints • Route parking/roads/paths around native trees/shrubs and Walls can provide effective seating adhere to the existing topography Buffer overlook parking from areas at overlooks both road and overlook with • Buffer overlook parking from landforms, and native vegetation road with landforms/vegetation • Buffer parking from overlook area with vegetation and topography • Draw visitors to the overlook through gaps in vegetation that hint at the destination Fit path into existing topography, curving it • Create comfortable seat walls and around existing vegetation benches from which visitors can Provide simple shade/ relax and enjoy the view seating at overlook • Provide shade through use of Use viewing assists Protect or add native native vegetation, as feasible where appropriate vegetation so that it frames • Use surfaces and structures that the approach to the view blend into the surroundings

Avoid blocking view with interpretive signs or obtrusive seating 31 Building from the Earth

Major Trailheads

Trailheads serve as main transition points between civilization and the National Recreation Area’s sacred and natural landscape. Their intensity and use varies greatly across the Use informational signs National Recreation Area, with consistent with the trailhead’s some accommodating many cars and Provide shade and ROS oversized vehicles while others handle seating for people to only a few. Each trailhead, therefore, is wait at the trail’s entry unique and must be sensitively designed to help people make the mental shift Include clear site from the busy-ness of their everyday identification sign to lives to the National Recreation Area’s ensure easy wayfinding tranquility.

• Provide a visitor sequence that orients users to the trail, helping them mentally proceed from the road and their car to the small- scale trail setting • Use materials and signs appropriate to the local environment and ROS setting in ways that encourage trail users to better appreciate the Spring Mountains (e.g. boulders, native vegetation) • Create modest barriers to maintain the health of more sensitive resources • In urban settings, place an easily serviceable restroom that does not dominate the visitor experience 32 Design Guidelines

Maintenance/Operations

Maintenance and operations facilities help build a sense of community should be designed as sensitively and • Connect housing to work/ thoughtfully as other facilities within maintenance site with a pedestrian/ the Spring Mountains National bike trail to reduce vehicle impacts Recreation Area.

• Locate facilities so they are screened from the public Screen maintenance yards with Separate employee housing from noisy • Design facilities to nestle within native vegetation or walls facilities the landscape—and avoid Place emergency removing trees and shrubs service facility nearest • Place emergency service facilities to area entrance nearest to area entrance to allow fast and safe response • Place helipad reasonably near emergency service facility and main road • Locate maintenance yards behind emergency/maintenance facilities • Screen/buffer operations activities from public view with a combination of native vegetation Place helipad(s) near and screening walls emergency service facility • Use architecture similar to other public-use buildings, while using less costly “second-tier” materials (See section 4.3 for buildings) Operations activities should • Separate employee housing from be screened from public noisy facilities view, while also allowing • Cluster housing—including easy emergency access to the temporary accommodations—to area’s main roads 33 Building from the Earth

Drainage

Even though the Mojave Desert has • Protect water quality with an arid climate, rain does fall for methods that also provide habitat brief, intense intervals. Developed and support ecological function areas should have designed drainage where appropriate systems that prevent an increase in the – Bioswales post development rate and quantity of storm water runoff. These systems also – Vegetative filter strips should protect water quality, provide – Vegetated swales habitat, and facilitate groundwater – Vegetated buffers recharge. In addition, they can provide • Use open-fields and play areas for Pavers with wide gaps are one type pleasant vegetated settings for visitors stormwater infiltration to support of porous paving and interesting design elements. aquifer recharge • Cluster developed sites to reduce • Create a system that averts the the amount of paved surfaces need for piped conveyance with (roads, parking, etc.) curbs and gutters • Minimize the site’s impervious • Design drainage areas to be an area and maximize the use of attractive amenity regardless of porous paving the season (even when dry) – Porous paving includes “gap­ Bioswales should be used to cleanse Flat areas, such as open fields/play areas graded mix” asphalt with a 1/2­ runoff from impervious surfaces can provide a location for infiltration 1” aggregate sieve; geo-block or grasscrete type products; and pervious pavers • Capture stormwater from impervious areas (roofs, parking and paving) to reuse on-site • Integrate designed drainages with natural drainage patterns, both aesthetically and functionally Drainageways should include local Highly designed drainages can vegetation, such as these shrubs in provide interesting features in Kyle Creek Urban ROS settings 34 Design Guidelines

Grading

Grading greatly affects how a facility aesthetically fits with its surrounding landscape, as well as its erosion potential and stormwater runoff patterns. Grading activities have the potential to severely disturb a site and damage surrounding vegetation.

• Retain, where possible, natural site landform and drainage patterns • Minimize grading by placing site elements so that they adapt to natural topography • Blend topography of developed facilities into the surrounding Minimize the need to haul landscape materials from the site • Generally equalize cut and fill to minimize the need to haul materials to/from the site • Use extra material from cut operations on site • Revegetate or use other means to permanently stabilize steep slopes • Grade access routes to comply with all regulations; however, compliance will not be required when it would disrupt the natural setting or substantially alter the Do not significantly change purpose of a facility topography to fit roads, Integrate facilities with existing topography parking or other facilities and landscape character 35 Building from the Earth

Roadways

The scale and design of roads greatly • Design roads so that curbs and affects a visitor’s impression of a place. gutters are not needed, where Larger-scale paved roads are most practical appropriate in an urban ROS, and • Follow appropriate technical small-scale roads fit better with the standards and guidelines for rural or roaded natural ROS’s. design • Design roads to save existing landscape features (e.g., rocks, trees, vegetation, slopes) • Where possible, design roads and roadways to be recreation access routes • Minimize road width while also accommodating all anticipated traffic uses (e.g., cars, trucks with trailers, RVs, buses, and bicyclists) • Use porous/natural paving materials whenever possible • Recognize sight lines, distance and distractions when designing roads and intersections. Some may need costly acceleration/ deceleration lanes • Landscape road edges with native plants, rocks and logs in a natural-appearing way to prevent vehicles from driving off-road and to integrate roads into the landscape Road edges should be informal, natural-appearing, Parking/roads should adapt to existing and integrate into the surrounding landscape landscape features such as large trees 36 Design Guidelines

Parking

Parking areas should be convenient • Where feasible and appropriate, to the destination they support, but mitigate the heat island effect at the same time not intrude on the in large paved parking areas by majority of the visitor experience. using vegetation to create shade Furthermore, their design should • Use porous/natural surface support sustainability goals and not materials whenever possible have a detrimental impact on their surrounding landscape. • Create incentives for people to bicycle, carpool or use • Create a quality first impression environmentally friendly vehicles by preserving, establishing to get to the site by including or enhancing natural areas at bicycle racks and preferential parking entries parking spaces • Preserve trees, rock outcrops and • Place large vehicle parking in an other natural features within the area that does not overwhelm the parking area parking area’s visual appearance • Provide the minimum amount • Provide clearly defined Permeable paving makes parking feel of parking needed and consider pedestrian walkways with visual rural and also has stormwater benefits transit options as opposed to connections to related use areas creating more parking • Ensure maintenance vehicles can • Integrate parking into the access parking and service areas landscape by using natural sloping edges, local boulders, mounds, and native vegetation • Generally, maximize the use of disturbed areas for parking

Retaining and integrating native Clearly defined pedestrian walkways landscape materials help parking areas help break up large parking lots better fit with their surroundings 37 Building from the Earth

Paved and Special Trails

Ideally, trail development should • For the natural trail through Kyle minimally affect the landscape in Canyon, leave the surface and which it lies, and provide satisfying alignment natural, undeveloped opportunities for people to exercise and free of interpretive signs/ and connect with the landscape. elements – Use monitoring as an adaptive The Forest Service has detailed use tool, and redesign trail guidelines for most trail development, when necessary so these guidelines apply to paved trails and special cases within Heavily used multi­ the Spring Mountains National use trails should be Recreation Area only. divided between uses by paving, color • Whenever possible, place trails changes, striping or along already-disturbed corridors other means such as previous trail alignments • As feasible, regrade steep trails to be accessible and restore unused alignments with native plants • When appropriate because of trail congestion, provide a safe trail width for a diversity of uses – Use monitoring as an adaptive use tool, and redesign trail when necessary • As feasible, make all paved trails accessible, while providing multiple ways to transition down hillsides (e.g., sloped trail, stairs)

The Kyle Canyon trail should not be paved, but left in its natural form 38 Design Guidelines

Open Play Areas

Open play areas should be provided • Connect play areas to other within picnic and camping areas, and use areas by accessible surfaced at the Village. They should encourage walking paths of standard communal interaction while being width that permit passage of sensitive to the area’s climate and walkers, accessible vehicles, and vegetation. maintenance vehicles

• Design fields for the level of – For standard light truck access intended use: minimum trail width is 8’ – Low use areas should use native – Minimum 4’ width for small utility vehicles grasses and low shrubs that do Urban/Rural or high use areas should Rural/Roaded Natural or medium use not need irrigation have lower water requiring grasses, such as areas should have native and non- – Urban areas should use native dwarf tall fescue irrigated grasses grasses that can withstand high use and need minimal irrigation. If native grasses cannot meet these conditions, use non-native grasses only if they are proven not to escape and naturalize in these habitats and can be maintained. Otherwise use substrates such as sand or gravel. • Blend the edges of open play areas into surrounding vegetation so that they feel hewn out of the surrounding rough landscape • Create fields that mimic the area’s naturally occurring meadows, whenever possible Roaded Natural/Semi-Primitive or low use areas should contain native grasses and shrubs, and gradually transition to the surrounding landscape 39 Building from the Earth

Functional Plantings

Planted buffers provide visual and sensory barriers between competing landscape elements—such as parking areas and scenic views. Plantings also help define the space around facilities.

• Use landforms—either existing natural features or constructed mounds/berms—to create screens and buffers between elements – Only construct mounds/berms if soil is already available, such as from grading cut operations, and they can be visually integrated with the surrounding landscape Mounds can provide an effective buffer if they are planted effectively and blend with their surroundings Clustered plants can create – Mounds/berms should not have effective buffers, such as this mix a slope greater than 3:1 of cliffrose, and pinyon/juniper • Strategically place clusters of native trees/shrubs to visually separate areas – Scale is dependent on what is being buffered – Wide plant buffers are preferable—meaning at least 20 feet—but require a greater density and scale of plants • Place, maintain, and protect native trees/shrubs around developed facilities to help soften Native landscape structure should influence architectural elements so that they the design of deeper plant buffers, such as better fit with their surroundings this transition from sage to pinyon/juniper

40 Design Guidelines

Plant List for Functional Plantings

All plants used within the Spring Recreation Area’s sensitive wildlife Mountains National Recreation Area should be selected over those that should be appropriate for the area, don’t. This will help support the area’s which generally means they should sky-island environment, which is what be native and not invasive. When makes the National Recreation Area possible, plant species that provide unique and special. food or habitat for the National

Transition Zone Common Name Botanic Name Common Name Botanic Name Trees Herbs/Perennials Pinyon pine Pinus monophylla *sulfur buckwheat Eriogonum umbellatum var subaridum Utah juniper Juniperus osteosperma wallflower Ersimum capilatum silk tassel Garrya flavescens snakeweed Gutierrezia machaeranthera mountain mahogany Cercocarpus ledifolius threadleaf snakeweed Gutierrezia microcephala Shrubs broom snakeweed Gutierrezia sarothrae green ephedra Ephedra viridis golden showy eye Heliomeris multiflora var nevadensis basin big sagebrush Artemisia tridentata blue flax Linum lewisii bitterbrush Purshia tridentata pinyon aster Machaerantera canescens Map of Landscape Zones cliffrose Purshia mexicana var stansburyana globe mallow Sphaeralcea ambigua cheesebush Hymenoclea salsola prince’s plume Stanleya pinnata *rubber rabbitbrush Chrysothamnus nauseosus *Arizona thistle Cirsium arizonicum Utah serviceberry Amelanchier utahensis *Palmer penstemon Penstemon palmeri banana yucca Yucca baccata *Douglas dusty maiden Chaenactis douglasii *white virgin’s bower Clematis ligusticifolia

Grasses indian rice grass Achnatherum hymenoides squirreltrail Elymus elymoides * = plant that supports endemic butterflies muttongrass Poa fendleriana ssp longiligula 41 Building from the Earth

Plant List for Functional Plantings (continued)

Plants used around facilities should be High Desert Zone Forested Zone appropriate to their landscape zone so that they fit aesthetically with their Common Name Botanic Name Common Name Botanic Name surroundings. This will also result Trees Trees in plantings that are durable and low Joshua tree Yucca brevifolia ponderosa pine Pinus ponderosa maintenance, as well as appropriate for bristlecone pine Pinus aristata their surrounding ecosystem. Shrubs limber pine Pinus flexilis bush encelia Encelia virginensis If a designer/manager/maintenance white fir Abies concolor brittlebush Encelia farinosa person is uncertain about which zone’s list should be used or whether green ephedra Ephedra viridis Shrubs a certain plant is appropriate, he/she Apache plume Fallugia paradoxa Spring Mtn goldenweed Haplopappus compactus should contact the Spring Mountains cheesebush Hymenoclea salsola basin big sagebrush Artemisia tridentata National Recreation Area’s Botanist. banana yucca Yucca baccata Herbs/Perennials Mohave yucca Yucca schidigera rough angelica Angelica scabrida Herbs/Perennials Cooper hymenoxys Hymenoxys cooperi firecracker penstemon Penstemon eatonii blue flax Linum lewisii globe mallow Sphaeralcea ambigua *silver lupine Lupinus argenteus v tenellus pennyroyal Monardella odoratissima firecracker penstemon Penstemon eatonii beakflower penstemon Penstemon rostriflorus rock goldenrod Petradoria pumila var pumila

Grasses blue grama Boutelous gracilil California brome Bromus ciliatus needle and thread Hesperostipa comata var intermedia * = plant that supports endemic butterflies Map of Landscape Zones 42 Design Guidelines

Plant Restoration

Restoration activities help improve – For annual forbs and grasses, Hillsides in the the ecological health of previously either sow collected seeds transition zone are disturbed areas, while also decreasing directly at the restoration site typically populated soil erosion. This process generally or have a nursery use them to with pinyon/juniper takes several years and detailed develop a seed bank planning in advance. Restored areas – For perennial forbs, shrubs and should blend seamlessly with the trees send seeds or cuttings to adjacent native landscape. a nursery to grow seedlings for transplanting • Survey and protect healthy native plants, when possible, in facility • Emphasize plants that support development areas sensitive species, such as local butterflies • Select species appropriate for the landscape zone • Remove weeds and other exotic – Make plant density compatible plants before restoration begins with the pre-disturbance • Regrade restoration sites to condition mimic their pre-disturbance • Set aside and preserve topsoil condition and healthy plant specimens on • Restore, to the extent possible, development sites, and replace the native soil composition before them once construction is installing plants complete – The topsoil will reintroduce • Mulch or otherwise temporarily its native seeds and micro stabilize soil after planting organisms

• Collect native seeds from Many areas needing restoration Straw mulch provides temporary soil adjacent sites to maintain local are populated by low and sparsely stabilization at this Forest Service genetic stability spaced plants parking lot near Lake Tahoe

43 Building from the Earth

4.2 Overall Development Character and Appearance Transition Zone - The Baseline for Design Guidelines

Occupying middle elevations of The Transition zone encompasses In the Transition zone: the Spring Mountains National more of the National Recreation Area • Respect the height of the native Recreation Area, the Transition than any other landscape zone. Most woodland by using horizontal zone is a bridge between the High of the development projected for the forms that are low to the ground Desert below and the Forested NRA will occur within this zone. • Use plants appropriate to the zone above. It shares certain traits For these reasons, the Transition Transition zone; these may of these two neighboring zones, zone was chosen as the baseline for include species characteristic of blending an evergreen canopy with design guidelines. The guidelines and Forest and High Desert the sparse vegetation of the desert. recommendations in this document The Transition zone is dominated by apply to the Transition zone but also • Design shelters that create shade open woodlands of low-growing trees. carry over to the other zones, with but do not disrupt natural views Single-leaf pinyons and Utah junipers slight modifications. Facilities in High • Use colors that complement the form a thin cover which provides Desert or Forested areas must respond natural environment, with base a measure of shade and enclosure. to the unique characteristics of their colors ranging from cream to Open spaces between the scattered settings. light olive trees enable open views across the surrounding country. Pinyon pine cones

The Transition zone features a sparse canopy of low-growing evergreen trees, allowing for open views Pinyons provide a measure of shelter 44 Design Guidelines

High Desert Zone Considerations

In some respects, facilities in the High Desert zone should be similar to those of the Transition zone, as these landscapes hold many qualities in common. Design in High Desert settings, however, should be grounded in the Mojave Desert and reflect the minimalist character of the desert. In this zone facilities will remain simple, consisting mainly of signs, trailheads, picnic areas, restrooms and parking areas. Providing visitors with adequate shade will be a special priority.

• Minimize built/engineered facilities and site modifications High Desert vegetation is sparse, Seasonal flowers such as desert globemallow which should be reflected in plantings add drama and warmth to the High • Provide only plant combinations around facilities Desert landscape and densities appropriate for the High Desert – Plant sparsely to integrate with the desert environment – Avoid softening facilities with lush vegetation • Derive color accents from the seasonal colors that characterize this zone – Use them sparingly, as the colors can be intense High Desert settings afford • Where necessary, create structures panoramic views but offer that provide dense shade little shade 45 Building from the Earth

Forested Zone Considerations

The Forested zone’s design elements • Build with stone—especially should follow most of the preceding limestone blocks and boulders— guidelines. However, they should be glass and wood in this zone adapted to fit this zone’s climate and – Wood should still be an accent, landscape. For a detailed list of the not a primary material Forested zone’s characteristics, see – Moderate use of timbers is Chapter 2. appropriate in this zone • Create an aesthetic suited to both • Reflect adjacent facilities’ major mild summers and snowy winters design themes while adapting • Make facility footprints compact them to these guidelines to fit within this zone’s steep – Understand and respect historic terrain and sensitive vegetation buildings and landscapes – Minimize scale of parking • Use a darker colors—but within – Emphasize sense of privacy/ the same hues—to reflect the enclosure this terrain provides colors of this zone’s landscape and historic structures • Create forms that are more Facility colors should – Warm grays, creams, and beige vertical, especially rooflines, to complement the Forested reflect this zone’s verticality and should continue to dominate zone’s darker and more accommodate snowloads – Brown should be an accent vibrant colors – Avoid “Swiss Chalet” and log color, not a primary/body color building aesthetics • Restoration of disturbed • Design with larger-scale elements areas should be considered as to reflect this zone’s sizeable a part of project design and cliffs, trees and boulders implementation Structures should be adjusted for the Forested zone’s more vertical landscape elements and also for its climatic requirements 46 Design Guidelines

Materials

Material selection should complement • Choose materials that: • Select materials with a rough and reflect the surrounding natural – Are able to withstand harsh texture and natural appearance, landscape. Using local materials is one sun, the desert climate and the mimicking the way each of the first steps towards sustainability freeze/thaw cycle material is in the surrounding in the built environment. – Are low maintenance environment. Use limited amounts of wood because it The list of materials given below is a (avoid paint or other high- maintenance finishes) is vandalism prone and high “kit of parts” to help designers form a maintenance cohesive look to National Recreation – Appear as an outgrowth of the Area facilities. land – Some wood can be used in – Seamlessly connect indoors and busier areas such as a visitor • Use a palette inspired by nature, outdoors center as long as it does not including: – Are easily replaceable and cost evoke log-architecture – Stone Concrete can be poured in ways that effective • Tie structures to the land and – Structural steel with durable evoke local geology (lower picture) ground them in the earth by finish using vertical piers of stone, steel, – Corten steel or similar materials – Poured concrete – Rammed earth – Soil-crete – Colored asphalt/ “Rustic Pavement” – Shredded rubber surfacing in appropriate natural looking colors – Colored asphalt/ “Rustic Pavement” Soilcrete can create very durable Rammed earth has a rustic look and Colored asphalt, aka “rustic structures that also blend well with can be used for buildings, landscape pavement,” coordinates with the natural landscape structures and paving surrounding colors better than standard asphalt 47 Building from the Earth

Scale and Massing

The scale and massing of the Spring Mountains themselves are much greater than the human scale. Shelters and planned recreation sites, such as picnic or camping, need to reduce the grand scale of the environment to a scale we can relate to and be Ideally, structures hug the landscape and comfortable in. flow with the horizontal planes of the • Construct low structures that do Spring Mountains not compete with the mountains Structures should not interrupt the distant • Group structures and site mountain views improvements to create outdoor

rooms • Respond to topography by stepping roof lines and Tuck structures into the foundations landscape and help create • Reflect the need for shelter sheltered outdoor spaces through ample shading • Provide a rich variety of small intimate spaces that work as a unified whole • Alternate spaces between light/ dark, big/small, open/closed—as they alternate in nature

48 Design Guidelines

Form

The form of the built environment in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area is inspired by the informal organic character of the mountains, drainages and stone formations. Fully enclosed and three sided structures have similar forms. Low profile open structures connect people to the outdoors, Open structures may be a smaller scale and their form does not compete to meet only the immediate needs of with the surrounding natural the users (such as to provide a shaded environment waiting area at a transit stop). • Reflect the mountains with horizontal orientation and vertical anchors • Create an aesthetically pleasing ratio of walls to roof area (roofs should not dominate) • Design outdoor spaces that balance the mass and scale of adjacent buildings • Facilitate ample transitions and connections between indoor and outdoor spaces • Connect multiple horizontal planes including walking, seating and building surfaces • Provide shade during the hot summer months and maximum natural interior light during the Facilities should complement adjacent geologic winter months formations; multiple indoor/outdoor spaces should provide balance with the greater landscape 49 Building from the Earth

Color

Colors used for both site and architectural elements within the Spring Mountains should be derived from surrounding landscape elements, specific to each ecological zone.

Colors should generally be soft and subtle and should be used to blend the built with the natural environment.

Inherently, natural and man-made materials such as stone, timber, colored concrete, rammed earth, or corten steel will contain a variety of colors, provide a sense of depth, and a more natural appearance. When possible, the inherent material colors Material and paint colors used should relate to the environment of which they are a part should provide the base coloring, while surface applications such as paint are used less frequently.

Base paint colors or accent colors should relate to the inherent material colors used, providing coordination between elements.

Both base and accent colors for site and architectural elements should be soft and subtle, and blend the built with the natural environment 50 Design Guidelines

Example Color Palettes

Example color palettes have been developed to give an appropriate color range for use within the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. Accent : C=0, M=62, Y=71, K=49 Accent : C=0, M=1, Y=47, K=30 Only one color palette should be used for any particular area. Accent : C=25, M=0, Y=81, K=67 Accent : C=30, M=25, Y=40, K=20

Base colors should be neutral, the Accent : C=40, M=30, Y=70, K=25 Accent : C=0, M=20, Y=100, K=56 darkest of which should overlap between zones. This overlap of base Forested Base : C=33, M=28, Y=58, K=0 Base : C=0, M=3, Y=100, K=64 coloring will help provide a connection between each zone. Accent : C=0, M=45, Y=40, K=0 Accent : C=0, M=32, Y=100, K=9 Accent : C=30, M=0, Y=24, K=26 Accent colors are more vibrant than base colors and should be used with Accent : C=33, M=3, Y=0, K=0 Accent : C=3, M=0, Y=10, K=20 Accent : C=31, M=20, Y=5, K=0 discretion. They should be derived from the surrounding environment. Accent : C=68, M=34, Y=0, K=0 Accent : C=4, M=0, Y=21, K=18 Accent : C=0, M=1, Y=47, K=30 They are used in details such as Transition Base : C=9, M=15, Y=34, K=0 Base : C=0, M=0, Y=0, K=26 Base : C=33, M=28, Y=58, K=0 railing, canopies, window systems, and signage, but never as a field color.

In general, colors move from lighter Accent : C=4, M=0, Y=21, K=18 Accent : C=16, M=0, Y=74, K=57 in the High Desert zone to darker in the Forested zone. Other difference Accent : C=3, M=0, Y=10, K=20 Accent : C=0, M=13, Y=15, K=45 include:

Accent : C=0, M=32, Y=100, K=9 Accent : C=0, M=59, Y=100, K=18 • The High Desert zone should include warm colors only. Base : C=6, M=9, Y=23, K=0 Base : C=9, M=15, Y=34, K=0 High Desert • The transition zone has the widest range of colors and should include both warm and cool colors. Note: The colors shown provide the appropriate range for • Colors in the Forested zone the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. Due to differences between the color of this printed document and should be darker than the other actual CMYK colors, a CMYK color chart should be used zones and blend with their alpine during paint selection to ensure a match to a selected paint environment. manufacturers color. 51 Building from the Earth

4.3 Buildings Building Character

Buildings within the Spring Building Types found in Ecological Zones and ROS Classifications Mountains NRA will have architectural character and elements HIGH DESERT TRANSITION FORESTED specific to the Ecological Zone of • VISITOR CENTER • MIDDLE KYLE COMPLEX • SKI AREA which they are a part: High Desert, • LOWER LOVELL COMPLEX • LOWER LOVELL COMPLEX • HISTORICAL CABINS Transition, or Forested. In addition, • ADMINISTRATION CENTER • CAMPGROUNDS • CAMPGROUNDS architectural elements will differ N • CONCESSIONS • SHADE STRUCTURE • SHADE STRUCTURE between the Recreation Opportunity • SHADE STRUCTURE • TRANSIT STOPS • TRANSIT STOPS

Spectrum (ROS) classifications as URBA • TRANSIT STOPS • COMFORT STATIONS • COMFORT STATIONS defined for this project: Urban, Rural, • COMFORT STATIONS • MAINTENANCE BUILDING • MAINTENANCE BUILDING or Roaded Natural. • MAINTENANCE BUILDING • KIOSKS • KIOSKS Architectural elements define the • KIOSKS general aesthetic of a building and • ENTRANCE STATION • ENTRANCE STATION • ENTRANCE STATION are provided in this section of the • PICNIC/SHADE STRUCTURE • PICNIC/SHADE STRUCTURE • PICNIC/SHADE STRUCTURE document. These elements include • CAMPGROUNDS • CAMPGROUNDS • CAMPGROUNDS the massing and scale of the building; • COMFORT STATIONS • COMFORT STATIONS • COMFORT STATIONS the base condition, or way the • MAINTENANCE BUILDING • MAINTENANCE BUILDING • MAINTENANCE BUILDING building touches the earth; the walls; RURAL RURAL • KIOSKS • KIOSKS • KIOSKS the windows and other openings; the roof; the structural components; and the materials that make up the buildings construction and finishes. • CAMPGROUNDS • CAMPGROUNDS • CAMPGROUNDS LURA Synthesis drawings of proposed • PICNIC/SHADE STRUCTURE • PICNIC/SHADE STRUCTURE • PICNIC/SHADE STRUCTURE building types, which incorporate • COMFORT STATIONS • COMFORT STATIONS • COMFORT STATIONS the elements for a specific Ecological • KIOSKS • KIOSKS • KIOSKS Zone, have also been developed. Combined, the synthesis drawings and architectural elements provide a general guide to the character and design expectations for buildings NAT ROADED within the Spring Mountains NRA. 52 Design Guidelines

Architectural Elements

Massing and Scale

The massing and scale of buildings within the Spring Mountains NRA should strongly relate to the surrounding landscape. Building should integrate with their surroundings, stepping to fit site topography, and giving a sense of emergence from the landscape.

The architecture should be composed of simplified forms, roof lines, and geometry, with the intent of creating buildings that are subservient to the The use of stepped volumes helps to integrate the building Vertical elements used in the Transition zone begin to anchor the landscape. with the topography of the site building to the site Seamless connections between indoor and outdoor spaces should be utilized when possible, connecting and opening the building to the surrounding environment.

Differences Between ROS

The scale of buildings should generally be larger in the developed Urban ROS classification and smaller in the more primitive Roaded Natural ROS.

Massing of building should generally be simplified congruous with the ROS Low volumes and horizontal projections help to integrate classification; the more primitive the the building with the site site, the simpler the building form. Outdoor spaces provide users with a connection to the surrounding landscape 53 Building from the Earth

Differences Between Zones High Desert Transition Forested Buildings within the High Desert zone should be low to the ground and have a horizontal emphasis, typical of the desert environment of which they are a part. Curvilinear and organic elements may be introduced as they relate to geologic formations and site topography.

Buildings in the Transition zone should also emphasize the horizontal quality of their surrounding, but will include vertical anchoring elements. These anchoring elements will provide a link to the zone with the highest elevation, the Forested.

Building within the Forested zone should place emphasis on the vertical quality of their alpine environment. Generally, buildings in this zone Buildings in the High Desert zone: Buildings in the Transition zone: Buildings in the Forested zone: should be no more than two levels • Should emphasize the horizontal • Use horizontal forms that are low • Use forms that complement and should have a small footprint to quality of the site through the to the ground. the scale of their surroundings minimize site disturbance. use of forms that are low to the through emphasis of the • Include vertical anchoring ground. vertical qualities of the Alpine elements. environment. • Are composed of smaller volumes • Have stepped roof lines that that break the building scale into • Have a smaller footprint to relate to site topography. intimate spaces. minimize site disturbance. • Use roofs of flat to gentle slope. • Have stepped roof lines that • Respond to the prevalence of relate to site topography, and snow with steeper gable roof provide a sense of having lines. emerged from the landscape. • Generally have flat roofs. 54 Design Guidelines

Base

The base of a building is the point where a building connects to the earth. The base of buildings within the Spring Mountains NRA should be solid and firm in appearance, and should run to grade so that the building appears to have emerged from the landscape.

Base characteristics include:

• Bases should be stepped to fit the topography of the site. • Bases should be constructed of materials that give a sense of firmness, and that ground the Base materials should run to grade and have building to the site. coloring similar to their surroundings • Base materials should generally have coloring that relates to the surrounding soils of the site. • Column bases should be stout and of materials consistent with the buildings base.

Differences Between ROS Column bases may be substantial, The base should appear firm and The building’s base will generally not and should be consistent with the stout change between ROS classifications, buildings base with the exception that the base material may become less refined in more primitive areas. For example, a stone base may be of a coursed pattern in an Urban ROS and rough and uncoursed in the Roaded Natural. 55 Building from the Earth

Differences Between Zones

Buildings within the High Desert and Transition zone will generally have similar characteristics, however the Forested zone will have a few distinct differences.

Bases in the Forested zone:

• Should be constructed of either stone, or well crafted concrete. • Should extend to wainscot height at minimum to protect from rain and snow. • May require pier footing of stone or concrete on steep slopes. Base materials in the Forested zone should run to grade, and to a height that protects Piers may be needed when building on the the building from water and snow steep slopes in the Forested Zone

Stone or well crafted concrete are the preferred base materials for the Forested zone

56 Design Guidelines

Walls

In the Spring Mountains NRA building walls should be of monolithic construction, providing a strong sense of mass. Walls should express depth, firmness, and the capacity for load bearing, with limited use of decoration.

Site walls should be extensions of the building, providing a sense of continuity, and defining the limits of developed outdoor spaces.

Appropriate wall materials will be discussed under the Materials subheading of this section. However, when cement plaster is used it should not be the dominant material and should be used in conjunction with other materials. Monolithic materials give a sense of mass and depth Examples of coursed (left) and uncoursed (middle and right) stone walls Differences Between ROS

Wall materials, such as stone, will generally become rougher, more rustic, and uncoursed in the Roaded Natural areas versus the Urban ROS classifications.

Examples showing the use of cement plaster in conjunction with a more dominant material, stone 57 Building from the Earth

Differences Between Zones High Desert Transition Forested Although very similar, some differences will be evident in the materiality and appearance of walls within each of the ecological zones.

In general, walls in the High Desert may be of a more organic nature and will have smaller penetrations than the other zones.

In the Transition zone, vertical wall elements will be introduced that extend above the roofline, acting as anchoring devices. In addition, a mixture of more refined materials is acceptable, including the use of CMU (Concrete Masonry Units). Wall penetrations will be larger in the Transition zone, opening the building Wall characteristics in the High Wall characteristics in the Transition Wall characteristics in the Forested to the landscape, and providing Desert zone: zone: zone: visitors with a connection to their • Walls may be non-linear with a • Vertical wall elements should • Walls should emphasize the surroundings. sinuous or organic quality. be introduced, punctuating vertical quality of the site. the facade and anchoring the Walls in the Forested zone will • Penetrations in walls should be • Wall cladding materials should building. generally be proportioned to accent recessed. relate to the alpine context and the vertical quality of their alpine • Penetrations in walls should be will include a mixture of stone • Walls may have organic qualities, environment. Stone and wood will be slightly recessed and larger that and wood, with stone being the such as rounded edges and the primary wall materials, and should those in the other zones. predominant material. be balanced in their use. corners. • Wall materials may include • Wood cladding may be of • Wall materials may include CMU, colored concrete, stone, horizontal or vertical siding colored concrete, stone, rammed rammed earth, and cement (predominantly horizontal in the earth, and cement plaster. plaster. lower areas of the Forested zone), or board and batten construction.

58 Design Guidelines

Windows and Openings

Windows and openings for buildings in the Spring Mountain NRA should be placed to allow for natural light, viewing opportunities, and to provide connections to outdoor spaces. In addition, where possible, windows should be operable to allow for natural ventilation.

Glazing should open to the landscape, providing visitors with a connection to their surroundings. In addition, openings should be located to provide Large openings at viewing opportunities and points of passage help create strong connections between indoor and outdoor spaces, and framed views as well as passage to draw users to the landscape outdoor spaces such as courtyards.

Windows on exposed southern faces should be protected with shade canopies or overhangs, especially in the High Desert and Transition Zones. Windows should be minimized on west facing facades to avoid harsh evening glare and solar gain.

Differences Between ROS

Generally, buildings within the Urban ROS classification will have the largest and greatest number of openings, while openings in the Roaded Natural Overhangs and canopies provide protection from direct southern sun ROS will be less frequent and smaller.

59 Building from the Earth

Differences Between Zones High Desert Transition Forested In general, windows and openings in the High Desert zone should be smaller and less frequent than the other zones. Windows should be recessed into the wall, providing strong shadow lines and a sense of depth. Window materials may include aluminum clad wood, aluminum, or other materials suitable to the zone.

In the Transition zone the size and prevalence of glazing should increase, opening the building to views and the surrounding landscape. Window materials may include aluminum clad wood, aluminum, or other materials suitable to the zone.

In the Forested zone, the majority of windows and openings should be located on the south and east sides to allow for maximum daylight and passive heating. When possible, In the High Desert zone, recessed punch Larger, more frequent openings in the Overhangs in the Forested zone protect building entry points should be openings are preferred, providing strong Transition zone open the building to the from direct sun light (in the summer located on the south side, allowing shadow lines and a sense of depth landscape months), as well as driving rain and for more rapid snow melt. Overhangs snow should be provided at windows and points of entry to protect from driving rain and snow. The proportions of windows in this zone should be more vertical than horizontal. Window materials may include, aluminum clad wood, aluminum, or other materials suitable to the zone.

60 Design Guidelines

Roofs

Roof forms in the Spring Mountains NRA will have significant differences between each of the Ecological zones, as noted on the following page. However, some general characteristics that span between zones are apparent.

Generally, roofs should step to fit site topography and to relate to surrounding site features. Stepping roof forms will also help to break down building volumes.

Throughout all zones roof overhangs and canopies should be used to create areas of shade at courtyards and other outdoor spaces, and to protect windows on southern and western exposures. Stepped roofs break down the building volume and help to integrate the building Projections and Overhangs provide protection Roofing materials should be of three with site topography from the sun main types: ballasted membrane, standing seam metal, and tile. Further detail is provided in the Material subheading of this section.

Differences Between ROS

Generally, roof forms will be simplified in the more primitive Roaded Natural ROS classification to allow for ease of construction, and to minimize visibility and site impact. Examples of standing seam metal roofing in rusticated and Kynar finishes Gable roof forms allow for ease of snow removal in alpine environments 61 Building from the Earth

Differences Between Zones High Desert Transition Forested Roofs in the High Desert zone should generally be flat or of low slope, including parapets, flat projections, and shed forms. Roof lines should express the horizontal qualities of the surrounding, and be stepped to integrate with the topography of the site. Ballasted membrane are preferred for flat roofs, and standing seam metal or tile for shed roofs.

Roofs in the Transition zone should be generally of low to moderate slope (pitches of 3:12 to 4:12), and punctuated by vertical anchoring elements. Shed and low slope gable forms should be used in conjunction with flat roofs. Roof materials may include standing seam metal, ballasted membrane, and tile (no Spanish style).

Roofs in the Forested zone should be gable types of moderate to steep slope (pitches of 4:12 to 10:12). Roof lines should express the vertical qualities of the alpine surroundings. Standing seam roofs should be used for ease of snow removal, simplicity, and protection from fire. Due to the prevalence of snow, roofs in the Forested zone should slope away from entry points. Flat parapets, flat projected, and low Flat parapets, and low slope shed or gable Steeper sloped shed and gable roofs (slope slope shed roofs are preferred in the High roofs (slope of 3:12 to 4:12) are preferred of 4:12 to 10:12) are preferred in the Desert zone in the Transition zone Forested zone 62 Design Guidelines

Structure

The structure of buildings within the Spring Mountains NRA should be exposed, presenting a clear, simple and honest expression of how each building element is constructed.

In general, walls should be monolithic and express the capacity for load bearing.

Roof structures, rafters and beams, should be exposed, expressing the structure and providing a sense of openness.

When possible door, window, and Examples of exposed timber structural elements other openings should have exposed lintels.

Columns should be of masonry, steel, or timber and should help define courtyards and breezeways.

Detailing of all structural connections shall be visually expressed and rustic.

Differences Between ROS

Although structures should always be straightforward in their articulation, in general they will be more simplified in the Roaded Natural ROS classification versus the Urban. Stone columns give a stout An example of an exposed stone lintel at a door An example of a powder coated steel canopy appearance opening

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Differences Between Zones

It is the intent that building structural components should be exposed in all of the Ecological zones, and therefore structural expression will be similar throughout the Spring Mountains NRA. However, in general the use of steel should be more prevalent in the High Desert and Transition zones, while timber elements should be more common in the Forested zone.

Powder coated steel is the preferred material for canopy and trellis structures in both the High Desert and Transitions zones. Limited use Examples of a powder coated steel canopy (left), and steel and wood canopy (right) of wood is also acceptable if treated to withstand the environment.

Milled lumber is the preferred structural material for the Forested zone, with limited use of log. Connections between timber components such as beams, columns, and between truss members may be of steel plate, and should be visually expressed. Examples of exposed milled timber structural elements Examples of steel plate connections between timbers

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Materials

Buildings within the Spring Mountains NRA should be constructed of materials with natural qualities that relate to the surrounding environment, including: stone, colored concrete, CMU, rammed earth, cement plaster, corten steel, and wood. Material colors should relate to the base colors provided in Section 4.2.

Roofing materials include standing seam metal, ballasted membrane, and tile. Tile roofing may be of clay or concrete and should have a flat profile Natural Stone Concrete Masonry versus the curved profile typical of the Units (CMU) Spanish style. Coloring for roofing materials should generally be neutral and may be selected from the example base colors provided in Section 4.2.

Canopies, railings, and other architectural components may be of powder coated or corten steel. Powder coat coloring should be selected from the range of accent or base colors provided in Section 4.2.

Differences Between ROS

In general, materials should be less refined in the Roaded Natural ROS classification. Timber may be rough- sawn versus milled, and stone may be rough and uncoursed versus the more Colored Concrete Rammed Earth Cement Plaster regular coursing of the Urban ROS. 65 Building from the Earth

Differences Between Zones

In general, buildings within the High Desert should use monolithic materials such as stone, rammed earth, concrete, and cement plaster, with only limited use of wood. Flat roofs should be the most prevalent in this area and should be of ballasted membrane. For shed forms, both standing seam and tile are acceptable. Exterior windows and doors should be aluminum clad wood or anodized aluminum.

A similar material pallete should be Wood and Timber used in the Transition zone, with the addition of a material with a more standardized unit: CMU. Corten steel panel systems are also acceptable. Roofing materials should be of ballasted membrane, standing seam, or tile. Exterior windows and doors should be aluminum clad wood or anodized aluminum.

The Forest zone should be typified by the use of stone and wood. Wood cladding types may include horizontal, vertical, and board and batten siding. Due to the possibility of fire and for the shedding of snow, roofing should be limited to the use of standing seam metal. Windows and doors should be of aluminum clad wood, or anodized aluminum. Powder Coated Steel Corten Steel Standing Seam Concrete and Clay Ballast Membrane Metal Roofing Tile Roofing Roofing 66 Design Guidelines

Unifying Architectural Characteristics Between Zones As expressed in the narrative, architectural elements will differ between ecological zones due to environmental factors. However, by unifying certain architectural characteristics and linking these characteristics between zones, a cohesive yet unique expression can be established for the built environment throughout the Spring Mountains.

Common characteristics among zones could include the use of similar materials, and coloring. For example, the same stone could be Similar coloring and materials can help to unify the architecture of used throughout all zones, yet the the Spring Mountains pattern and coursing could be varied depending on the desired aesthetic and ROS. Another example would be to overlap base and accent colors between zones, as noted in the Color section of the document.

Architectural detailing of exposed structural elements may also help to provide a unifying framework for the built environment. For example, rafter, facia, column bases, and steel connections between structural members could be articulated in a Although forms may vary, exposed similar way throughout all zones. The use of similar stone could provide a unifying element among structure and similar detailing will help These details should be visually zones to unify the architecture throughout the expressive and rustic. various zones 67 Building from the Earth

Synthesis Drawings

Visitor Center Ecological Zone: High Desert ROS: Urban The adjacent synthesis drawing shows typical characteristics of a Visitor Center in an Urban ROS for the High Desert zone:

• The building is held low to the ground and emphasizes the horizontal quality of the site. • The building is broken into a series of smaller volumes with stepping roof lines. • Base materials run to grade, providing a sense of emergence from the landscape. • Punched openings are small in size, while large expanses of glazing are protected with overhangs. • Wall construction is monolithic and includes the use of both stone and cement plaster. • Structural elements are exposed. • Exterior spaces become extensions of the interior and are provided with trellis or canopy elements.

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Comfort Station Ecological Zone: High Desert ROS: Urban/Rural The adjacent synthesis drawing typifies what a Comfort Station in an Urban or Rural ROS for the High Desert zone may look like:

• The building is held low to the ground and emphasizes the horizontal quality of the site. • The building is broken into a series of smaller volumes with stepping roof lines. • Base materials run to grade, providing a sense of emergence from the landscape. • Punched openings are small in size. • Wall construction is monolithic and includes the use of both stone and cement plaster or colored concrete. • Structural elements are exposed.

69 Building from the Earth

Information Kiosk Ecological Zone: High Desert ROS: Urban/Rural The adjacent synthesis drawing typifies what an Information Kiosk may appear like in an Urban or Rural ROS for the High Desert zone:

• The building is held low to the ground and emphasizes the horizontal quality of the site. • The building is composed of a series of planar wall elements that extend into the landscape. • Base materials run to grade, providing a sense of emergence from the landscape. • Wall construction is monolithic. • Structural elements are exposed. • The exposed structure provides a protective shade covering for user comfort.

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Maintenance Facility Ecological Zone: Transition ROS: Urban/Rural The adjacent synthesis drawing typifies the characteristics of a Maintenance Facility in an Urban or Rural ROS for the Transition zone:

• The building emphasizes the horizontal quality of the site, but is anchored to the site through the use of vertical elements. • The roof line is composed of a series of low slope shed roofs. • Base materials run to grade, providing a sense of emergence from the landscape. • Large expanses of glazing are protected with overhangs. • Wall construction is monolithic and includes the use of both concrete and cement plaster. • Structural elements are exposed.

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Comfort Station Ecological Zone: Transition ROS: Urban/Rural The adjacent synthesis drawing typifies what a Comfort Station may appear like in an Urban or Rural ROS for the Transition zone:

• The building emphasizes the horizontal quality of the site, but uses vertical wall elements as an anchoring device. • The roof is a simple low-slope shed. • Base materials run to grade, providing a sense of emergence from the landscape. • Punched openings are small in size. • Wall construction is monolithic and includes the use of both stone and cement plaster. • Structural elements are exposed.

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Information Kiosk Ecological Zone: Transition ROS: Roaded Natural The adjacent synthesis drawing shows the typical characteristics of an Information Kiosk in a Roaded Natural ROS for the Transition zone:

• The building is simple in form and uses a shed roof. • Base materials run to grade, providing a sense of emergence from the landscape. • Wall construction is monolithic. • Structural elements are exposed.

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Maintenance Facility Ecological Zone: Forested ROS: Urban/Rural The adjacent synthesis drawing typifies the characteristics of a Maintenance Facility in an Urban or Rural ROS for the Forested zone:

• The building emphasizes a more vertical quality, typical of the alpine environment. • The roof is a steep gable form of standing seam metal for ease of snow removal. • Overhangs provide protection from driving rain and snow. • The base material is of stone and extends to a height to protect from rain and snow. • Wall cladding of stone and wood is well balanced. • Timber beams and columns are exposed.

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Comfort Station Ecological Zone: Forested ROS: Urban/Rural/Roaded Natural The adjacent synthesis drawing shows typical characteristics of a Comfort Station in an Urban, Rural, or Roaded Natural ROS for the Forested zone:

• The building emphasizes a more vertical quality, typical of the alpine environment. • The roof is a gable form of standing seam metal for ease of snow removal. • Overhangs provide protection from the sun, and driving rain and snow. • The base and outer wall material is of stone and extends to a height to protect from rain and snow. • Stone walls and wood cladding are well balanced. • Timber beams, rafters, and columns are exposed.

75 Building from the Earth

Information Kiosk Ecological Zone: Forested ROS: Urban/Rural/Roaded Natural The adjacent synthesis drawing typifies the characteristics of an Information Kiosk in an Urban, Rural, or Roaded Natural ROS for the Forested zone:

• The structure emphasizes a more vertical quality, typical of the alpine environment. • The roof is a simple gable form of standing seam metal for ease of snow removal. • The structure provides a place of protection from inclement weather and the summer sun. • The structure is constructed of stone and wood. • Timber beams, rafters, and columns are exposed.

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4.4 Landscape Improvements Paving

Intent Paving includes the surfacing of the Flowing lines pedestrian circulation system and should be used gathering spaces. Its use can greatly throughout paved areas affect the feeling of a recreation setting, and treatments should be tailored to the site’s ROS setting. Paving should therefore convey different levels of use through Accent paving in material, texture, width and urban areas should alignment. indicate edges and paths and slow • Use simple yet interesting down vehicles patterns of concrete in high use and large scale areas

• Break up concrete patterns with Paving in Urban ROS settings should be stones, cobbles or other attractive predominantly concrete with an informal border materials that reflect the place that moves gently into the natural landscape • Make crosswalks safer and more interesting by using stronger Stamped concrete or flagstone is textures and patterns (ensure appropriate for a Rural ROS ADA compliant surfaces) • Stone pathways may be appropriate for areas of high visual importance • For natural effect, employ buff- colored (not pink) finely graded aggregate surfacing in low use Roaded natural areas should be areas surfaced with a natural material, such as finely graded aggregate 77 Building from the Earth

Paving (continued)

ROS Application ROS Application Road, Parking Paving Trail, Plaza Paving Materials Materials Urban Rural Roaded Natural Plazas Multi-Use Trails Other Trails Urban Rural Roaded Natural Roads Parking Lots Unit Pavers Stone Ashlar Pattern Colored Concrete Stone Flagstone Pattern Standard Concrete Unit Pavers Colored Asphalt Colored Concrete Standard Asphalt Standard Concrete Note: Application of materials can vary by life zone in color and pattern. Colored Asphalt Standard Asphalt Emulsion Stabilized Soil Finely Graded Aggregate Rubberized Asphalt Note: Application of materials can vary by life zone in color and pattern.

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Paving (continued) Materials Selection Stone Colored Concrete

Natural stone pavement is to be used Alternatively, a flagstone pattern Concrete pavements should be tinted primarily for accents in Urban ROS can be used to give a more organic, to complement the native landscape settings. Stone color should match informal feel. Again, stone sizes coloration, rather than for decorative native stone as closely as possible, and should average two square feet. effect. A neutral monotone with coordinate with adjacent pavements minimal jointing, unidirectional and building facades. broom finish, and clean lines is desired, as if the native landscape had Buff-colored Arizona sandstone been leveled and raked clean. is likely to be the most suitable commercially available product. Selections of concrete admixtures need to be verified on site. Field observation Within Urban ROS settings, the is the only way to tell which is best. recommended pattern is a large scale random ashlar, with stone sizes averaging two square feet.

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Paving (continued)

Pedestrian-Only Areas

Unit pavers are intended for use in 6” x 12” pavers are appropriate to the more highly developed areas where large scale of the landscape viewshed, a modest level of surface patterning with this size being more suited to is desired. The intent of the unit the public recreational realm than paver application is to recognize smaller units, which often appear areas of significant interest and use too residential or gardenesque. while remaining subordinate to Herringbone is an attractive pattern the natural landscape. Contrasting for wide spaces, while running bond color combinations and busy, is generally appropriate for narrower Unit Pavers complex pavement patterns are to be areas. avoided. Buff color and clean lines Shared Vehicular Areas are recommended, without blasting, tumbling, or otherwise mechanically Unit pavers are useful to provide a rusticating the surfaces or edges. contrast to conventional vehicular pavements alerting motorists to slow down and yield to pedestrians. The contrast also helps indicate the preferred pedestrian routes to help concentrate pedestrian/vehicular cross-traffic in desirable, controlled locations. Colors should be selected to coordinate with adjacent surfaces.

Where conditions allow for on-site stormwater management, unit pavers with wide joints can contribute by allowing some percolation through pavement to well-drained natural or engineered subsurface layers. Color: Carmel (see App. A.4) 80 Design Guidelines

Paving (continued)

Colored Asphalt / “Rustic Pavement”

Asphalt pavement is resilient, versatile and relatively low cost, but its usual dark gray to black color is incongruous with the natural landscape and very hot in the sun.

Standard asphalt mixes can be pigmented before installation to mitigate these undesirable qualities. Emulsion Stabilized Soil Although it is difficult to lighten Pavement asphalt enough to match the Spring Mountains’ buff native soil, a tan- Emulsion stabilized soil pavement is brown is readily achievable that is appropriate for pedestrian areas and a significant improvement over the multipurpose trails. A variety of tree standard gray-black. resin and synthetic polymer emulsions are available that can be mixed with native soil or a closely-matched blend and compacted to form permanent, resilient pavement with the appearance of natural soil.

Many of these products can also be Color: used as a spray-on application for Autumn stabilization, erosion control and dust (see App. control on unimproved paths. A.4)

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Paving (continued)

Finely Graded Aggregate

Finely graded aggregate is an appropriate surfacing for primarily pedestrian paths. It is a blend of 3/8” minus, well-graded aggregate that compacts to a reasonably hard surface for paths not exceeding approximately 5% slope.

Steeper areas and high use areas should not be surfaced with untreated finely graded aggregate, as these aggregates will not remain in Stabilized Finely Graded place and will track onto adjacent Aggregate but the appearance is the same. pavements and facilities. A local Stabilized finely graded aggregate source of aggregate should be used to Stabilized finely graded aggregates paving is most successful on relatively attain coloration consistent with the are useful for pedestrian paths, flat areas and is not recommended for native terrain. multipurpose paths, and high-use areas where a natural appearance is steep sections of pathway. desired. The primary component is the same as conventional finely graded aggregate surfacing: local, well-graded 3/8” minus aggregate with coloration sympathetic to the natural landscape.

The aggregate is premixed with a plant-based binder that locks the aggregate particles together when water and compaction are applied. The resulting surface is significantly more stable than untreated aggregate,

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Paving - Stairs

Stairs should integrate with the • Create generous landings to natural landscape and help people break up long runs and to better comfortably transition between spaces. integrate stairs with landforms They should also coordinate with • Leave concrete stairs simple and and be designed to a similar level as unadorned, and tint them to adjacent paving and nearby buildings. match adjacent pavement Urban ROS settings All settings: • Use stone cheek walls with should have stairs that are broad, inviting and • Use 5”–8” thick stone slabs for concrete stairs wherever possible easy to navigate. stair treads whenever possible for a more natural, and less • Integrate indirect lighting engineered look Rural/Roaded Natural ROS settings: Urban ROS settings: • Create an organic look that • Create stairways that are simple appears hewn from the and elegant with broad, inviting surroundings and easy to navigate steps • Use an edge of boulders, stones • Incorporate natural materials— or other landscaping that appears Stairs in Rural and Roaded predominantly limestone— unstructured and blends into the Natural ROS settings adjacent landscape should appear to blend with wherever possible their surroundings using an • Aim for a gentle tread (14” • Construct stairs with large-scale unstructured edge minimum tread and 5” stones or blocks compatible with maximum riser) the local geology • Extend “arms” in the form of low • Use a curved layout, when cheek walls or paving to welcome possible, to provide a sense of people mystery that leads the visitor on.

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Walls

Intent Boulders make a In general, walls should have a General Guidelines dry-stacked stone rustic character that complements wall look informal the geology and colors of the Spring • Design a rustic character into and rustic Mountains. In addition, the choice of walls material should be based on the wall’s • Determine whether the wall’s visibility to visitors and also the ROS location calls for stone, or a less setting in which it resides. expensive material Highly visible Urban or Rural sites Retaining/Seat Walls Use stone as the main should use higher quality natural- material for walls in high looking materials. Sites that are not as • Construct retaining walls on a profile locations; ledgestone is visible, such as administrative areas, the preferred configuration human scale and in scale with or areas within Roaded Natural ROS other built elements such as setting can use less expensive materials structures and methods for building walls. • Integrate seating into retaining walls where appropriate • Incorporate boulders into stacked stone walls to give them a more informal character • Consider cultured stone products for retaining walls where budgets are limited

Seats should be incorporated into stone walls when possible and appropriate 84 Design Guidelines

Screening walls in high visibility Screening Walls settings should use stone-faced concrete, and incorporate design • Use screening walls only around elements to break up the wall’s mass maintenance yard, utilities and dumpster areas • Consider first using vegetation to screen areas, with walls for this purpose used sparingly • Select colors and materials that fade into the background • At high-visibility sites, incorporate design elements/art • Limit screening walls to a 5-foot height, in general

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Walls (continued)

ROS Application Materials Selection Wall Materials Dry-Stack Stone

Dry-stack stone walls are recommended for retaining walls 4 feet high and under, in high visibility locations where their craftsmanship

Urban Rural Roaded Natural Retaining Wall Seating Wall Wall Screen can be appreciated. Walls should be Dry-Stacked Stone * * composed of generally rectangular stones of varying sizes laid in a rustic Stone-Faced Concrete manner. The stone should be sourced Cultured Stone in conjunction with the stone for Modular “Keystone” pavements and wall veneer stone so all configurations match in color and Concrete (rough) texture. Rammed Earth

* Dry-Stacked Stone walls may be used in Rural and Roaded Natural areas provided the design and construction is informal

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Walls (continued)

Cultured Stone Walls

Cultured stone is a concrete veneer are severely limited, and preferably product designed to replicate in areas of low visibility such as stonework. These products, which are administrative areas or maintenance cast in molds, are manufactured in a yards. variety of texture, color, and pattern combinations. Cultured stone may be appropriate for some retaining walls or sign bases in order to limit construction costs and facilitate repair. However, because cultured stone often results in an artificial appearance, it should only be used where budgets Stone Faced Concrete Walls

Stone faced reinforced concrete walls are recommended for high visibility areas requiring structural walls for seating, slope retaining, or another supporting function such as piers for shelters. Random ashlar with natural faces and no visible sawn edges is desirable. Where a seat wall is desired, a wide precast concrete coping with integral buff color can cap the wall.

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Walls (continued)

Modular “Keystone” Concrete

Retaining Poured concrete screen walls are the formwork is irregular and bands recommended for areas that have some of aggregate remain suspended in Modular retaining walls may be visibility to visitors but are away from patterns. This is unconventional appropriate for Urban ROS settings, a landscape focal point. concrete work and will take a flexible but they may also be used in less concrete crew and some practice to visible locations such as administrative This type of wall should be replicate consistently. areas and Roaded Natural ROS distinctively textured to relate to settings. The wall’s texture, color the Spring Mountains landscape. and shape should blend with the Methods of achieving the desired landscape. texture include using larger sizes and proportions of aggregate, using a very dry mix, and vibrating the mix minimally so that contact with

Screening

Modular screen walls may be used within utilitarian areas such as administrative areas, but may also be appropriate for highly visible Urban ROS settings. These walls are engineered to provide maximum screening height with minimum width.

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Walls (continued)

Rammed Earth

Rammed earth walls are recommended for highly visible areas where their unique layer patterning can be appreciated and their design flexibility utilized. Although useful for screening, they are interesting and decorative in their own right and are generally not strictly utilitarian.

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Fences, Rails and Safety Barriers

Fences, railings and barriers used for • In Roaded Natural ROS settings safety purposes should be attractive use simple guardrails or other and feel permanent. They are a edge protection at drop-offs: unifying element that help direct – Natural barriers such as pedestrians and provide safety from boulders can help maintain the steep drop-offs and vehicular traffic. site’s rustic character They also provide containment as in the case of using a fence to corral • Use simple but permanent feeling horses. fences to help guide visitors along safe pedestrian routes • Coordinate fences and guard/ • Keep fences low scale and handrails with materials, textures minimize their visual intrusion and colors in the landscape into the landscape Wood post and rail fencing is effective for directing • in Urban and Rural ROS settings – In general, use a two railing pedestrians in Rural and Roaded Natural ROS settings make sure guardrails meet height fence design International Building Code: – Select materials that create a – Use a continuous, grippable rustic quality, weather naturally surface free of sharp edges and and need a minimum of other abrasive elements maintenance – When used as a safety barrier, the guardrail must be at least 42 inches high and not allow a 4-inch sphere to pass through

Boulders can be used as edge protection within Roaded Natural ROS settings 90 Design Guidelines

Fences, Rails and Safety Barriers (continued)

• Install substantial pedestrian barriers to protect them from zones of high traffic risk – Incorporate at least a two- foot spatial barrier (median) between pedestrians and traffic – Use a combination of curbs, fencing, boulders and plants to emphasize this barrier – This barrier should be trip- resistant at pedestrian crossings

ROS Application Fences/Rails/Safety Barrier Materials Urban Rural Roaded Natural Safety Barrier Guide Pedestrians Barrier Traffic Modular Steel Panel Fence Steel Pipe Rail Fence Post/Rail Fence Natural (Boulder) Barrier Boulders can provide a barrier to protect Median/Plantings/Curbs pedestrians from traffic 91 Building from the Earth

Fences, Rails and Safety Barriers (continued)

Modular Steel Panel Fence Steel Pipe Rail Fence A modular steel panel fence and railing system is recommended to For Roaded Natural ROS settings provide consistent, high quality where fencing or railing is required pedestrian barriers in highest use, but an impermeable barrier is not, most developed areas. steel pipe rail fence is recommended.

Choose a fence and rail system with a Typically fabricated from 1 1/2” clean, contemporary appearance, yet OD (nominal) schedule 40 pipe and is simple enough to look appropriate welded in a double rail configuration, in a natural setting if colored this is a very practical, simple and sympathetically. durable fence. To integrate the steel pipe rail fence with the other guideline recommendations, it should be powder coated or painted pale green, RAL 6021 or equivalent.

Color: Pale Green (see App. A.4) 92 Design Guidelines

Seating — Benches

Intent

Seating is a way of suggesting that the Seating may be a gathering or meeting visitor rest and be comfortable in the point. It may also be a place of rest Spring Mountains. along a walk or for contemplation of a view. • Use inviting bench designs with materials and contours that make • Locate seating: sitting comfortable – With shelter from sun and wind • Blend seating seamlessly into the – Within sight of pleasant In Urban ROS surrounding environment foreground and distant views settings, benches may • Place seating in such a way that – Out of major circulation routes be custom designed it always seems to be where – Adjacent to other site amenities using appropriate someone is looking for it stone or artfully- – Where people want to sit (e.g., poured concrete • Carefully detail all benches overlooks, meeting areas, transit stops, near refreshments and at At least 50% should • Design/buy benches with the trailheads) include an armrest same long horizontal design and a back elements found elsewhere • Use durable and consistent materials, and preferably those available nearby (stone, concrete, wood) Rural ROS settings will most likely • Make seat surface between 17” Highly-visible Urban use pre-fabricated and 19” high ROS settings may products, such include wooden or as this powder- • Provide an armrest and back on plastic-lumber benches, coated steel bench at least half of all benches as these areas are less at Fletcher View prone to vandalism Campground 93 Building from the Earth

Seating — Benches (continued)

Prefabricated Benches

Prefabricated benches should be used for smaller and less prominent sites that do not require custom designs, such as transit stops. Slat Color: Bark Metal Color: Stone While steel is the most practical and (see Appendix A.4) durable material for a bench frame, it is rarely comfortable to sit on as it is nearly always too hot or too cold, and it often retains condensation when everything around is dry.

The recommended bench is substantial and comfortable, particularly with recycled plastic lumber slats. Metal mesh panels are the other recommended alternative.

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Seating — Group

Group seating areas can combine many different landscape and site improvements. Typically these areas are used for small lectures, entertainment and as virtual classrooms in an outdoor setting. They also provide space for informal group picnics and small community groups to gather.

For the most part, group seating will be custom designed to fit its setting and intended use, and located within the Urban and Rural ROS settings. Seating for larger groups should take advantage of topography and local materials so • Vary seating size and formality to that it is in sync with its setting. accommodate the area’s projected uses • When possible, use natural topography to create seating “terraces” • Orient seating towards views and points of interest • Allow for multiple functions including lectures, K-12 class gathering areas, films and perhaps small performances Seating for small groups should be informal in character and constructed of local materials 95 Building from the Earth

Sign Bases

Intent The Forest Service has detailed guidelines for facility signage, which specify the colors, dimensions and fonts of the signs. Therefore, these guidelines only deal with sign bases.

• Create durable bases that reduce the need for long-term Entry signs for the National Recreation Clustered signs should have a strong maintenance Area should have a strong presence base and adequate roof • Use sign bases as a unifying design element, and construct them from of stone or corten steel Corten steel provides a simple • Use wood for accents rather than base for single-panel signs as a primary material • Determine scale, design and material based on the function of the sign

• Generally minimize the visibility Grout on stone bases should not be visible of grout in stone bases to provide a dry-stacked appearance • Create shed roofs with adequate overhangs on clustered signs to shelter visitors from the elements

Signs with simple messages can be engraved in local boulders in areas with lower risk of vandalism 96 Design Guidelines

Sign Bases (continued)

Sample Designs

Sign bases should reflect the Spring use of corten steel. Sign bases will be Urban and Rural ROS Settings Mountains materials palette, using simpler in less developed areas such as primarily a combination of: trailheads or campgrounds in Roaded Corten Steel Natural settings. In these places, • Corten steel and ledgestone faced Mesh designs may employ more traditional concrete, or materials including wooden beams or • Corten steel and rammed earth/ concrete. soilcrete Ledgestone or Several schematic site identification Rammed Earth Design will respond to the ROS sign base designs follow. These can Piers setting. Sign bases for busy urban be adjusted to the size of the site that areas such as ski resorts or the Kyle they are identifying. Canyon “Village” may exhibit more complex design and feature prominent

Urban ROS Settings Corten Steel Mesh

Corten Steel Pipe Supports Corten Steel Piers Corten Steel Piers

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Sign Bases (continued)

Rural or Roaded Natural Settings All ROS Settings

Corten Steel Piers

Ledgestone or Rammed Earth Base Heavy, Wood Posts or Corten Steel

Corten Steel Corten Steel Pier or Reinforced Corten Concrete Column Steel Pipe Ledgestone or Supports Rammed Earth Stone Veneer, Base preferably Ledgestone Base

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Shade Shelters

Intent Shelters include three sided structures • Balance the proportions of for shade and protection from the materials so no one part feels too elements. In the hot dry environment heavy of the Spring Mountains, shade is essential for comfort many months of • Make shelter bases similar to the year. sign bases in both design and materials • Create a unified appearance with surrounding architecture and • Size shelters according to the landscape materials by using amount of use they receive wood, stone and steel • Use shed roofs to repeat the horizontal lines of the surrounding landscape • Build substantial enough in scale so each shelter feels grounded and a part of the larger landscape Repeat site materials and structural form in shade • Provide filtered to dense shade structures, a necessary site feature in the desert. where waits may be lengthy

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Shade Shelters (continued)

Prefabricated Shelters

High Desert Zone High Desert High Desert shelters are primarily for shade. An open lattice or louvered roof design is recommended to High Desert and Transition Zones block the sun without absorbing and trapping heat. Choose a shelter that fits aesthetically with the High Desert setting.

Posts: Surrey Beige Roof: Patina Green Transition and Forested Zones Transition and Shelters within both the Transition Forested Forested Zone and Forested zones need to protect users from rain and/or snow because they are wetter and higher than the High Desert. Transition zone shelters have the added requirement that they provide protection from summer sun. Posts: Tudor Brown Roof: Evergreen

A shelter that will be appropriate for (see Appendix A.4 for explanation these zones will feature a simple, clean of colors and images) design with a roof of gentle pitch.

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Art

Art is one way of engaging and expanding the visitor experience. Art should relate to the site through use of materials, and should help interpret the Spring Mountains’ unique characteristics.

• Provide areas of interest and play to children Art can add • Use art to educate visitors about interest, educational different elements of the National value and areas of Recreation Area informal play. • Integrate art in such a way that it enhances the visitor experience without overpowering the natural landscape • Place art in communal locations that can generate discussion or awareness of the Spring Mountains • Provide art elements that are touchable and interactive • Consult and collaborate with the Southern Paiute tribes when using American Indian images in ornamentation

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Appendices Building from the Earth

A.1 LEED Criteria/Checklist

LEED-NC Version 2.2 Registered Project Checklist

104 Appendices

LEED Criteria/Checklist (continued)

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LEED Criteria/Checklist (continued)

106 Appendices

A.2 Light

,IGHT AD RGHDKCDC VHSG RG@QO BTSNEER C@QJ RJX @QD@ @MC SGD UHRHSNQrR O@SG EQNL SGD '(# K@LOR VHSG @ LHMHLTL NE NSGDQ EQHDMCKX UNHC EKNNCKHFGSR K@MSDQMR O@QJHMF @QD@ SN SGD CDRSHM@SHNM 3GD RNTQBDR +@LOR RGNTKC AD KDRR SG@M 3GD TRD NE KHFGS HM SGD MDV E@BHKHSX ONRS SNO FKNADR @MC @MX NSGDQ KTLHM@HQD FN@K HR MNS SN HKKTLHM@SD SGD DMSHQD òññ V@SSR @MC @R NESDM @R ONRRHAKD úñ RGNTKC HMSQHFTD SGD UHRHSNQ OD@JHMF SG@S DLHSR KHFGS NSGDQ SG@M CNVMV@QC O@QJHMF @QD@ ATS SN @MMNTMBD DMSQ@MBDR NQ KDRR 6GDQD '(# K@LOR @QD MDDCDC BTQHNRHSX @MC KD@CHMF NMD SGQNTFG SGD VHSGHM @ öñ CDRFQDD BNMD R @ FDMDQ@K @MC @BGHDUD R@EDSX HM LNUDLDMS (S HR ôñññ * LDS@K G@KHCD K@LOR @QD RSQNMFKX @QBGHSDBSTQD 3GD KHFGSHMF RGNTKC QTKD CDRHFMR RGNTKC OQDUDMS UHDVHMF SGD HLONQS@MS SG@S SGD RNTQBD NE @KK KHFGSHMF QDBNLLDMCDC HM OTAKHB @BSHUHSX @QD@R OQNLNSD @V@QDMDRR NE SGD RD@RNM@K @MC K@LO NQ @ AQHFGS KDMR NQ QDEKDBSNQ VHSGHM AD RGHDKCDC EQNL UHDV 3GD HMSDMRHSX NE "NLO@BS EKTNQDRBDMS K@LOR RGNTKC AD C@XMHFGS BXBKD @R VDKK @R DMG@MBHMF SGD ó LNTMSHMF GDHFGSR NE SGD KTLHM@HQD @MC HKKTLHM@SHNM RGNTKC MNS AD @ CHRSQ@BSHNM TRDC @R LTBG @R ONRRHAKD TRHMF KNV ETMBSHNMR NE SGD ATHKCHMF KK @QD@R NE KTLHM@HQDR RGNTKC MNS AD LNTMSDC @MX EQNL SGD DMINXLDMS NE MHFGS HM SGD -1 SDLODQ@STQD A@KK@RSR @MC @L@KF@L K@LOR SGD E@BHKHSX RGNTKC G@UD @BBDRR SN M@STQ@K GHFGDQ SG@M óñ EDDS SN DMRTQD VHMSDQ NODQ@SHNM "NKNQ KHFGS S MHFGS SGD E@BHKHSX RGNTKC EDDK SDLODQ@STQD NE @KK KHFGS RNTQBDR RGNTKC RDBTQD XDS SGD KHFGSHMF RGNTKC AD QDRODBS +HFGSHMF RXRSDLR RGNTKC AD CDRHFMDC AD ó ÷ññ m ô ñññ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

107 Building from the Earth

(MSDFQ@SHNM NE C@XKHFGSHMF SN A@K@MBD @QSHEHBH@K KHFGSHMF @MC @KRN BQD@SD @ RD@LKDRR DWSDQHNQHMSDQHNQ SQ@MRHSHNM

108 Appendices

+HFGSHMF RXRSDLR RGNTKC AD HMSDFQ@SDC HMSN SGD ATHKCHMF

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109 Building from the Earth

+HFGSHMF EHWSTQD RGNTKC AD CDRHFMDC SN AD @SSQ@BSHUD @MC BNMRHRSDMS VHSG SGD @QBGHSDBSTQD OQDEDQ@AKX HMMNBTNTR

110 Appendices

KK DWSDQHNQ KHFGS EHWSTQDR RGNTKC AD RGHDKCDC VHSG RG@QO BTSNEER

111 Building from the Earth

A.3 Potential Stone Suppliers

Arizona Buff Sandstone Quartzite (Gold/Buff ) Garden City Limestone (Buff from Rainbow Quarries in and Gray); American Stone Goodsprings, NV Frontier Sandstone (Buff ); 3616 Spring Mtn. Rd. Many Other Types of Stone Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas Rock 702.876.6749 11635 Bermuda Road Select Stone Las Vegas, NV Apache Stone & Supply 262 Penny Lane 702.791.7625 3900 E. Cheyenne Ave. Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730 Las Vegas, NV 888.237.1000 702.651.0001

Buff Frontier Sandstone can be used for paving (top two photos), Arizona Buff Sandstone is Gold/Buff Quartzite is a locally retaining available in many forms, such as quarried stone that could be walls and boulders, slabs, ledgestone, and useful in many situations steps (middle flagstone photo), and as a building veneer (bottom photo) Garden City Limestone is processed into both sawn blocks and rough blocks

112 Appendices

A.4 Potential Products or Specifications

Paving Walls Fences, Rails, and Safety Barriers Colored Concrete Emulsion Stabilized Soil Cultured Stone Possible Admixture: San Diego Buff Pavement Manufacturer: Cultured Stone R Modular Steel Panel Fence (Davis Color #5237) adjusted for site Commercially available stabilizers Product Name: Bucks County, Manufacturer: Ametco colors include: Southern Ledgestone Product Name: Orsogril Stadium • NaturalPave XL by Soil Mesh Unit Pavers Stabilization Products Modular Retaining Walls Configuration: 1-1/2” O.D. nominal Manufacturer: Basalite Concrete • M10plus50 by Enviroseal Manufacturer: Keystone Retaining round steel pipe top rail and handrail Products Wall Systems if needed Product Name: Rima • Resinpave by ARR-MAZ Product Name: Classic series Color/Finish: Pale Green (RAL 6021) Pattern: Running Bond Products Configuration: Straight-faced, split- powdercoat Color: Buff, coordinated with • Soil-Sement by Midwest face block with standard cap adjacent surfaces Industrial Supply Color: Tan Unit Pavers - Pedestrian-only Modular Screening Wall Areas Finely Graded Aggregate Manufacturer: Basalite Concrete Manufacturer: Basalite Concrete Local Source preferable for color Products Products consistent with natural surroundings Product Name: Proto II Wall System Product Name: Cityscape, 6” x 12” Configuration: Straight-faced, split- Pattern: Herringbone or Running Stabilized Finely Graded face block with bevel cap Bond Aggregate Color: Tan Color: Carmel Manufacturer: Stabilizer Solutions Product Name: Stabilizer Concrete Wall Colored Asphalt/Rustic Internal Color: San Diego Buff Pavement (Davis Color #5237), adjusted for site Manufacturer: Asphacolor Corp. color Product Name: Architectural Asphalt, Integral Hot Mix Pavement Color: Autumn

113 Building from the Earth

A.4 Potential Products or Specifications (continued)

Prefabricated Features/ Structures

Prefabricated Benches Manufacturer: Landscape Forms Product Name: Potoskey Bench, Quad Support Configurations: Backed with armrest or backless with armrest Seating Surface: Perforated Metal, or Polysite slats (recycled HDPE also known as recycled plastic lumber) Color: Metal Surfaces - “Stone,” which is dark tan/gray; Polysite slats - “Bark,” a tan

Prefabricated Shade Shelters Manufacturer: Poligon Park Architecture Product Name: High Desert - Santa Fe Trellis; Transition/Forested - REK 24 Shelter Colors: High Desert/Transition Posts - Surrey Beige, Roof - Patina Green Forested Posts - Tudor Brown Roof - Evergreen

114 Appendices

A.5 SMNRA BEIG Implementation (including Variance Review Process)

All new construction, reconstruction When it has been determined by the Variance Review and level. Members of the review and special use improvements will Forest Landscape Architect that a Approval Process groups are described below. be reviewed by the Forest Landscape project is non-compliant, a request Architect to determine compliance for variance will be necessary. The II. REVIEW I. PROPOSAL with the Spring Mountains NRA following process will be followed: A. Basic Review Group Built Environment Image Guide 1. The proponent of a design (SMNRA BEIG). Other levels of variance must submit two copies a. Reviews non-complex review may be required per existing of a letter requesting a variance or non-controversial authorities identified in Forest Service with supporting documents issues (e.g., maintenance, Manual/Forest Service Handbook (listed below) and descriptive replacements, color for the type of project contemplated. narrative (if it has not already selections, etc.). The Forest Landscape Architect been submitted.) The Proponent 1. The group will consist will provide a written determination must describe their rational for of the SMNRA Zone for all projects requiring Regional how they followed the SMNRA Engineer, SMNRA Office review/approvals regarding BEIG, and/or in what area(s) Landscape Architect, submittal compliance with SMNRA they need to vary and why. Forest Landscape Architect and BEIG guidelines. Projects that Supporting documents: require approval from the Director SMNRA RELM staff of Engineering will not be forwarded a. Drawings officer. to the Regional Office (RO) until b. Specifications B. Elevated Review Committee the proposal has met the intent of c. Reports/Studies the BEIG or a variance has been d. Illustrations a. Reviews complex and recommended and approved. e. Artworks controversial issues. f. Photographs (current Examples of elevated Maintenance projects that include condition, both of the reviews are new replacement of site furniture or landscape and architecture construction, special use features that no longer can be replaced as appropriate to illustrate construction, materials, in-kind shall be reviewed by the point) art work, and architectural District/Forest Landscape Architect g. Others features. for compliance with the Spring 1. The committee will Mountains NRA Built Environment 2. Upon receipt of the request, the include the Basic Image Guide. Forest Landscape Architect will Review Group and the determine the appropriate review Regional Landscape

115 Building from the Earth

Architect, Regional Architect, and Forest Engineer. Additional members may include subject matter experts. 3. The appropriate group evaluates the proposal and makes a recommendation to the line officer. These recommendations will be to: a. Recommend approval of the proposal as designed; b. Recommend approval with modifications; c. Recommend the variance not be approved; d. Propose an alternate design that complies with the BEIG; or e. Other.

III. RECOMMENDATION AND APPROVAL A. The Basic Review Group has ten working days to provide a written recommendation for Line Officer decision. B. The Elevated Review Committee has twenty working days to provide a written recommendation for Line Officer decision.

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