The new Maritime Museum Education Center in Beaufort will serve as an educational hub, conference venue, and an event space for large gatherings. This multipurpose campus features both a one-story and a two-story structure that are connected by a spacious, covered outdoor porch. Overlooking the Intercoastal Waterway and the Museum’s Great Lawn, the porch will provide a scenic setting for outdoor events. The open lawn, known as the “Heart of Gallant’s Channel”, will host large-scale events, concerts, and festivals.
Given its proximity to the ocean, the facility is designed with durability in mind. The 12,655 SF structure will be comprised of load-bearing CMU and steel, reinforced CMU walls, and a resilient roof system. Engineered to withstand the region’s unpredictable weather, the building’s exterior siding, openings, curtainwall, and glass are built to endure wind speeds of up to 144 MPH.
The two-story structure’s first floor will feature a large, multi-purpose classroom with a folding partition, a catering kitchen, storage areas, and a conference room. The upper floor will provide office space and storage rooms, and will house the building’s mechanical systems. The adjacent one-story structure will serve as the Ticketing and Visitor Center, offering essential amenities for ferry passengers and staff.
