Practicing ArchitectureAwards

2010 AIA Housing Award Recipient

Category 4: Specialized Housing

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Notes of Interest

Phase One in this extensive master plan connects a new, compact, 80-room residential dormitory to the existing retreat building.

Utilizing sliding sun screens, radiant cooling and heating, daylighting and natural ventilation, and a sophisticated yet deceptively simple site strategy, the Housing Tower establishes itself as a cornerstone of sustainability for the institution while enabling human connections to the Berkshire context in all seasons.

Though expansive, the project fits into an economically scaled plan and section, growing upward rather than outward. Radiant cooling and heating modulate temperature changes via the thermal mass of the concrete structure. When combined with natural ventilation, a slatted-wood rain-screen, and a highly insulated envelope, the integrated architectural design and climate control strategy consumes 40% less energy than a typical discrete forced-air based system.

Moderating between interior and exterior, the pressure equalized rain-screen includes a water membrane protected by Cypress slats. A moveable sun-screen of the same material slides in front of each guest-room window, and provides a visceral connection to the Berkshire context. Moving the screen by hand to modulate heat gain, guests see the shadows change, and feel the temperature of the wood, while the breeze stirs the room with the smell of Cypress. Natural light reaches past the operable windows and through a glazed partition into shower and bathroom, brightening the entire space with no need for electric light during the day.