Tekakapimәk Contact Station

Salas O’Brien collaborated with the National Park Service as the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineer for a meticulously planned and distinctive project. We worked in close partnership with the architects to design an innovative new visitor center located at the summit of Lookout Mountain, which is part of the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument.

Our team created clear designs for easy-to-maintain systems and fixtures, including radiant heating, energy-generating systems, energy-storage solutions, and emergency backup lighting. The building has a passive cooling system using a thermal mass in the floor, convection venting, and ceiling fans. In colder months, the thermal mass floor system also offers passive heating. Hydronic radiant heat from an air-water heat pump and a propane boiler provide further enhancement to the heating options.

All Wabanaki cultural knowledge and intellectual property shared within this project is owned by the Wabanaki Nations.