L.L.Bean Outdoor Discovery Center in Freeport, ME

L.L.Bean Outdoor Discovery Center

SMMA’s latest partnership with L.L.Bean creates a permanent home for the company’s Outdoor Discovery Center. Located on the Maine coastline southeast of Freeport, the new Center welcomes visitors and empowers staff to create exceptional experiences for kayaking, paddle-boarding, and mountain biking expeditions.

The design inspires workers, excites customers, and aligns with the beloved company’s mission and values. Blending classical architecture with nature, it leaves room for expansion to accommodate other kinds of outdoor activities in the future.

Nestled on a hillside, the building is oriented for ocean views and optimal sunlight.

The design takes advantage of this layout to create a basement for extra storage, locker rooms, workshops, and mechanical equipment. The main level overlooking the ocean separates staff and customer areas and includes two classrooms.

After meeting with staff and touring the temporary Center, SMMA began initial space planning. The focus was to optimize staff-guest interactions within a limited footprint.

The design concept follows the mantra of “leave no trace”.

The team worked with L.L.Bean staff to explore how this principle could be translated into a building. The result is a net zero ready facility optimized for performance through passive design. The building rises organically from the site with little disturbance to the surrounding environment.

The LEED Silver, net zero ready building includes two crossing gables with durable shingles and Douglas fir beams.

Drawing inspiration from the coastal New England site, the material palette blends shingles, wood beams, and stone. Black steel cable trusses offer a modernist touch. The west side offers a glimpse of the exposed structure, with a protective overhang for basement access.