shellfish research hatchery

location: UNC-Wilmington, Wilmington, NC
est. completion date: December 2009
project team:
Frank Harmon
Matthew Griffith

problem statement

In 2006, our firm was selected to participate in the feasibility study for three “green” oyster hatchery facilities to be located along the North Carolina coast. The study looked at the feasibility of establishing oyster hatcheries in the state that would produce billions of eyed larvae to help reestablish the state’s oyster population and to educate the public on the oyster’s value to the quality of coastal waters. The 12,000 SF Shellfish Research Hatchery on the Coastal Marine Sciences campus at UNC-Wilmington is the first phase of implementing that study, and is now part of the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries.

our design response

The Shellfish Research Hatchery will embrace principles of sustainable architecture to preserve trees and topography, including 100 percent stormwater retention. The building is designed to allow fresh air ventilation during good weather to eliminate the need for HVAC during spring and fall. Primary construction materials are steel and brick, the latter required on the predominately brick UNC-W campus. Recycled materials are used wherever possible.

For more information on the Shellfish Research Hatchery at UNC-W, go to www.ncoysters.com