Edelman Fossil Park & Museum – Mantua, NJ
DETAILS
Architects: Ennead Architects & KSS Architects
Designer: Gallagher & Associates
Builders: Jingoli & Sloan & Company
Photographer: Jeff Goldberg
Drone Images: Leonard LoRusso
Exterior Cladding:
CUSTOM Accoya® Wood
Species: Radiata Pine
FSC®-Certified: FSC® Mix 70%
Select Grade
Product Sizes (3)
Sealed on back & 2 long edges
Solid +/- 3/4″ Thick X +/- 5-3/8″ Wide X 6’-16’ Random Lengths
Tongue and Groove (T&G)
Sealed on back & 2 long edges
Solid +/- 3/4″ Thick x +/- 5-3/4″ Wide x 6′-16′ Random Lengths
Surfaced 4 Sides (S4S)
Battens:
Accoya® Wood
Species: Radiata Pine
FSC® Certified: FSC® mix 70%
Select Grade
Unfinished
Solid 1” thick x 3-1/2” wide x 6’-16’ random lengths
S4S
Recognition:
Forbes
Architectural Record
Edelman Fossil Park & Museum of Rowan University is a groundbreaking destination that integrates science, education, sustainability, and design. Nestled in southern New Jersey, this world-class facility invites visitors of all ages to step back in time and experience the wonder of prehistoric life, while also looking forward to a more sustainable future.
The museum sits atop a former marl quarry rich with 66-million-year-old marine and terrestrial fossils from the Cretaceous period. This site has become one of the most significant fossil discoveries in the eastern United States, offering an immersive educational experience centered around earth history, extinction, and evolution. The state-of-the-art facility features interactive exhibits, fossil collections, and a public quarry dig experience that fosters hands-on learning and scientific curiosity.
The park and museum are not only a celebration of the natural world – they are a testament to sustainable innovation in architectural design. The project team, led by a collaboration of top architects and engineers, made environmental stewardship a cornerstone of the design process. The museum building achieves net-zero carbon, setting a new benchmark for green building practices in the region.
The building’s bold, angular design evokes Earth’s layered crust, forming a symbolic lens into the planet’s ancient past. Clad in over 20,000 sq. ft. of CUSTOM Accoya® wood by reSAWN, the exterior pairs natural beauty with durability, stability, and sustainability—amplifying the museum’s mission and architectural story. The natural wood cladding supports a warm, organic ambiance while meeting the performance demands of the southern New Jersey climate.
Accoya® wood is the result of decades of research and development, utilizing patented acetylation technology to create a high-performance, durable solution for outdoor and demanding applications. With a 50-year warranty against rot and decay, it offers exceptional stability, low maintenance, and resistance to warping, moisture, and UV exposure. Accoya wood is an environmentally responsible choice that delivers longevity and a natural aesthetic for large-scale projects like the Edelman Fossil Park & Museum.
With a collaborative design process rooted in research and exploration, Ennead Architects crafts architecture that is both visually powerful and environmentally responsive. The firm’s portfolio reflects a commitment to social responsibility, sustainability, and enriching the human experience through thoughtful design. Their work has been recognized with numerous national and international honors, including AIA awards and LEED certifications.
KSS Architects is a nationally recognized architecture, planing, and interior design firm with a deep focus on creating environments that empower communities and catalyze change. With offices in Philadelphia and Princeton, KSS brings together a dynamic, multidisciplinary team passionate about designing spaces that advance learning, innovation, and equity.
Gallagher & Associates (G&A Design) is a globally recognized experiential design firm specializing in creating immersive, story-driven environments that engage, educate, and inspire. With studios in Washington, D.C., New York, Portland, and Singapore, G&A works at the intersection of storytelling, technology, and design to craft transformative experiences for museums, cultural institutions, brands, and destinations around the world.
JINGOLI is a nationally respected company specializing in construction, development, and energy. With a strong legacy built over decades, JINGOLI offers comprehensive services that span project management, general contracting, and real estate development. The firm is known for delivering complex projects on time, on budget, and with a steadfast commitment to excellence.
Sloan & Company is a leading construction firm with a reputation for excellence in building envelope systems. Headquartered in New Jersey, the company brings decades of specialized experience in exterior wall systems, roofing, waterproofing, and architectural cladding for commercial and institutional projects.
Jeff Goldberg is a celebrated architectural photographer and a principal photographer with Esto, one of the most esteemed agencies in the field of architecture and design photography. Known for his striking visual storytelling, Goldberg has spent decades capturing the work of leading architects, designers, and institutions around the world.