Storm King Art Center’s first major capital project reshaped the visitor experience in response to recent growth and supported its mission of connecting art, nature, and people. The new buildings, collectively known as the Welcome Pavilions, frame the arrival for guests while restoring a former parking lot to five acres of meadows.
Reflecting Storm King’s commitment to environmental stewardship, the Welcome Pavilions are clad in more than 22,000 linear feet of PATINA thermally modified radiata pine cladding. Sourced from sustainably managed forests and thermally modified for enhanced durability and dimensional stability, the material was selected for its ability to naturally weather to a soft gray, allowing the buildings to blend seamlessly into the surrounding meadows over time.
To maintain a cohesive architectural expression, RESAWN custom fabricated the project’s wood fins and beams, milling each component to project-specific dimensions. A custom finish was developed to precisely match the PATINA cladding, ensuring visual consistency across the exterior.
The combination of thermally modified wood, custom fabrication, and finish development provided a durable, high-performance solution designed to withstand the site’s environmental conditions while preserving the project’s understated aesthetic.
Throughout the design process, RESAWN’s Specification Consultants and Technical Team collaborated closely with the project team to evaluate material samples, develop custom finishes, and conduct on-site field mockups. These evaluations confirmed texture, color, weathering expectations, and installation detailing before construction began.
By providing technical guidance and precisely manufactured components, RESAWN helped support a design philosophy centered on building only what was essential—reducing material waste while delivering long-term performance and a timeless architectural presence within the landscape.
WXY Studio and heneghan peng architects collaborated to design the Welcome Pavilions, combining contextual design with a deep sensitivity to landscape, sustainability, and the visitor experience. Together, the firms created an architectural solution that quietly complements Storm King’s renowned sculpture park while reinforcing its mission of connecting art, nature, and people.
Consigli Construction Co. served as the builder, bringing the complex architectural vision to life through expert craftsmanship and close coordination with the design team. Their experience delivering technically demanding cultural and institutional projects ensured the precise execution of the custom wood detailing and high-performance building systems that define the Welcome Pavilions.
