Practicing ArchitectureAwards

2010 AIA Housing Award Recipient

Category 3: Multifamily Living

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Notes of Interest

The Waterworks at Chestnut Hill is recognized as one of the finest and most intact 19th Century water systems in the country, noted for the quality of its architecture, engineering, landscape design and urban planning. This project involved the adaptive reuse of the two landmark public works buildings that originally housed steam-powered pumps and their adjacent carriage house. Creating residential units within each of the buildings presented unique design opportunities. Challenges included maintaining historic facades and designing functional units that fit within the existing parameters.

Within Whitehall, minimal windows on the northeast wing of the building did not support the fenestration requirements for residences. Because the historic facade could not be altered, a new structure was placed within this wing, creating an interior courtyard between the historic facade and the new structure, and allowing for light-filled spaces in the new units.

A portion of the Waterworks Museum building was preserved as a public museum. The museum showcases the landmark steam pumps and celebrates the history of the site. A two-story glass conference room supports museum functions, and offers dramatic views to the historic pumps and architecture.