ECOTONE

ECOTONE

Location: San Antonio

Type: Urban Ecology Center Fall 2024

Size : 297,840 sqft.

Ecotone is a transformative adaptive reuse proposal that reimagines an abandoned school as an urban ecological center and public park. Rooted in sustainability and community engagement, the design bridges the built and natural environmen, an “ecotone” where people, nature, and education intersect. By preserving the existing structure and layering new ecological functions, the project creates spaces for environmental learning, social gathering, and ecological restoration. It honors the site’s past while positioning it as a catalyst for a more resilient and connected urban future.

Mary Huppertz Elementary School, established in 1921, stood as a cornerstone of the San Antonio community for nearly a century. The school adapted to numerous educational reforms and evolving community needs, serving generations of students.The mid-20th century saw the school flourish, with robust participation in community activities and educational programs. However, as the years progressed into the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the school faced challenges, including fluctuating enrollment and shifting demographics, which began to strain its resources.

shifting population patterns emergence of alternative educational options

Woodlawn Heights exhibits a high degree of car dependency, which is a common characteristic in many suburban and urban areas in Texas. Public transportation options are relatively limited, which forces many residents to rely on personal vehicles for their daily commute.

The total population in the 78228 area code is approximately 57,172 people. There are around 19,636 households in this area, with an average household size of about 2.8 persons per household

An ecotone is a between two

transition area ecosystems

TEXAS BLUEBONNET

PURPLE CONEFLOWER TEXAS SAGE

BLOOMING TEMPORALITY

propagation

workshops

Sustainable living

Urban agriculture

displays

Interactive plant exhibits

Renewable

vesting systems

Composting stations

Garden tours

Environmental education

Recreational

Facilities

programs

Volunteer opportunities

Fitness classes

Therapeutic gardening

Aromatherapy

sessions

Cooking classes

Farm-to-table

café

Seasonal markets

Native

house

Indoor water features

Hydroponic gardens

Aeroponic systems

Ecological exhibits

Bird wellness center

Quiet reading areas

Meditation rooms

Community meeting spaces

Educational workshops

Art installations

Herb gardens

Greenhouses

The bike path is a main element of the design that becomes an immersive journey through a diverse mosaic of Texas ecotypes: ranging from the rugged Edwards Plateau and open Savannah to the shaded Post Oak woodlands, verdant Coastal Plains, and fertile Blackland Prairie, each highlighting the region’s ecological richness. More than just a circulation route, it further embodies the concept of the ecotone: a connective threshold where diverse environments meet. In this context, the ecotone serves as both a physical and social bridge, inviting community interaction and fostering a deeper understanding of how movement can unite different cultures, experiences, and landscapes within the suburban fabric.

Ecotone aims to transform an abandoned school into a thriving urban ecological Center, seamlessly integrating public space and sustainability.

1 - Library.

Sofly illuminated space where the translucent shells diffuses natural light next to the book stacks. North facade completely shared to a public park

2 - Office.

Adaptable meeting workspaces that integrates passive ventilation

The translucent shell system functions as a double-skin facade, enhancing the building’s passive ventilation strategy. By leveraging the stack effect, this design promotes natural airflow, reducing the reliance on mechanical cooling systems.

3 - Approach

Seamless transition landscape to the built

transition from natural built environment

4 - Meeting

Collaborative hubs where openness and airflow enhance engagement

5 - Research Laboratory

Controlled yet breathable spaces that balance precision with environmental responsiveness