Camp Lakota, Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles, CA

Project Overview

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(Pictures provided by Perkins + Will)

Camp Lakota, operated by the Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles, is situated on over 60 acres near Mount Pinos in the Los Padres National Forest. This extensive project included the construction of a new 10,000 SF dining hall, six villages with restroom facilities, and 24 insulated cabins built using Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs).

Design and Sustainability

The design of Camp Lakota carefully balances innovation with tradition, integrating modern structures into a sensitive forest ecology without disrupting the natural beauty and ecological flow. The buildings are elevated and strategically placed to minimize tree removal and environmental impact. The new structures use materials and forms that complement the surrounding pine trees and underbrush.

Why SIPs?

SIPs were chosen for their superior insulation properties and their ability to create an airtight, energy-efficient envelope for the cabins and other buildings. This construction method supports the camp’s commitment to environmental stewardship by significantly reducing energy consumption.

Construction and Innovation

• Dining Hall: The A-frame dining hall features exposed wood glulam beams and a concrete floor with radiant heating, enhancing both aesthetic appeal and energy efficiency. The construction process involved intricate bracing of beams and meticulous safety protocols.
• Cabins: The cabins are constructed from prefabricated SIPs and Mass Plywood Panel (MPP) floors, designed to minimize thermal breaks and maintain comfort in extreme temperatures. Exterior finishes include Western Red Cedar wood siding, blending naturally with the forest setting.
• Innovative Techniques: The floating cabin floors allow stormwater to flow naturally, reducing the need for excavation. Cabins were prototyped using a flatpack model to ensure high-quality construction and efficient on-site assembly.

Benefits of SIPs

• Energy Efficiency: High R-value SIPs provide excellent insulation, reducing heating and cooling costs.
• Speedy Construction: Prefabricated SIPs allow for rapid assembly, crucial in the challenging weather conditions experienced during construction.
• Environmental Impact: The use of SIPs minimizes waste and supports the camp’s green building initiatives.

Challenges and Solutions

• Weather Mitigation: A comprehensive weather mitigation plan was crucial due to the camp’s elevation and the heavy snowfall during construction. Innovative solutions like creative snow plowing and towing were employed to ensure timely completion.
• Safety Measures: The development and execution of a detailed site safety plan resulted in zero lost-time injuries, showcasing the project’s commitment to safety.

Energy Efficiency and Passive Design

• Passive Cooling: The dining hall utilizes passive cooling techniques to maintain comfortable temperatures without excessive energy use.
• Radiant Floor Heating: Provides warmth efficiently at human height, enhancing comfort while reducing energy consumption.

Educational Impact

The camp serves as a hands-on learning environment for Sussex students and the broader community. Educational programs focus on energy conservation, emissions reduction, and sustainable living practices, aligning with the Girl Scouts’ core values of conservation, education, and environmental stewardship.

Key Features

Camp Lakota stands as a testament to sustainable construction and thoughtful design within a natural setting. The use of innovative building techniques and materials like SIPs not only enhances the functionality and comfort of the camp facilities but also educates and inspires the next generation of environmental stewards.