Vermont Travelers Service Center

Sustainably Designed Rest Area Welcomes Visitors

The Vermont Traveler’s Service Center, a 9000 sf facility in Berlin, Vermont, is the state’s first 24 hour rest area and service center adjacent to Interstate 89.  The design and construction of this site, made possible by a new public-private partnership, includes a hub for gas, diesel, and electric car charging stations – the latter being the largest charging station in the state – a convenience store, a state liquor outlet, a deli, and a visitor’s center that provides tourism information and promotes Vermont sites of interest.  In addition to promoting tourism through interactive maps, brochures, and the presence of many Vermont products, the design of the building itself is representative of the state.  The main building was carefully detailed to create a modern interpretation of the historic barns that abound across the state.  Sloped roofs and natural wood cladding on the exterior liken the structure to nearby agricultural buildings, and the uninterrupted volume and exposed structural framework of the interior carry the vision throughout.

The building envelope is meticulously air sealed and exceeds Vermont required energy efficiency standards for commercial buildings.  Additionally, the project utilizes 100% high efficiency LED lighting, which is controlled by daylight sensors for the interior.  The heat pumps controlling the air conditioning and heating are assisted by energy captured from store coolers and freezers, which are, in turn, made even more efficient by the utilization of a Freeaire exchange system.  In the colder months, this system uses outdoor air to cool the units.  The entire Traveler’s Center, and its neighboring hotel, are also powered by clean, renewable energy from a nearby electrical solar array.