Central Energy Plant / Spillman Farmer Architects

Jan 2011

Uploaded by Andrew Rosenberg — Filed under: Industrial Architecture ,Selected , Carlisle, Spillman Farmer Architects, Steel, USA

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Architects: Spillman Farmer Architects
Location: Carlisle, PA, USA
Project Team: James G. Whildin, Joseph N. Biondo, Mike Metzger, Mark Piell
Project area: 6,300 sq. ft.
Project year: 2009
Photographs: Steve Wolfe Photography

Dickinson College’s program for its Central Energy Plant addition was straightforward: extend the existing 80,000 SF building to accommodate the boilers and cooling towers required to serve the campus’ energy requirements. The College asked that the addition, a 6,300 SF building determined by the size of the equipment housed within, reveal the functionality of the building rather than conceal its operations. The architect’s challenge was to respond to the client’s program and create an extension that respected the existing structure but was not dominated by it.

The new building is a layered dance of brick and aluminum. At the east elevation, a stair tower marks a subtle transition from the existing to the new; here, a full-height brick wall continues the mass of the original building. As the corner is turned, the brick is progressively subtracted until it becomes

A low wall on the west elevation. In its place, continuing to define the space, is an aluminum veil that is visually both solid and sheer. Its solidity completes the block form and its sheerness allows views into the functional spaces (cooling towers) within.

detailed render 01

The horizontal layering also suggests the building’s vertical layering. The masonry wall envelops, but does not hide, the structural elements placed independently behind it. The aluminum veil is loosely hung on the structure. Throughout, the building shows clear evidence of how it is made, its materiality expressed and unadorned.

: © Steve Wolfe Photography

: © Steve Wolfe Photography

: © Steve Wolfe Photography

: © Steve Wolfe Photography

: © Steve Wolfe Photography

: © Steve Wolfe Photography

: © Steve Wolfe Photography

: site plan

: floor plan

: wall section

: detailed render 01

: detailed render 02

* Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.

Cite:
Rosenberg , Andrew . "Central Energy Plant / Spillman Farmer Architects" 29 Jan 2011. ArchDaily. Accessed 21 May 2012. <http://www.archdaily.com/107225>