If someone asked you to describe a memorable place from when you were in college, how would you express this? Many people would begin to explain the places where they participated in activities with friends or on their own. And then, they might describe the atmosphere and feeling of the place in abstract ways. They may even dimly remember what they were surrounded by, such as materials, objects, and the like, if there were no impressive characters and features of the space. But, as an Interior Designer, creating a space with a distinct character that people will remember is a desirable design outcome.
Interior Designers and Architects are encouraged to use local materials for sustainability purposes. However, these local materials also provide people a sense of comfort and bring unique characteristics to a space. The Williams College North Science Center in Williamstown, MA is a remarkable project representing its own character through its environment and use of local materials. The interior is designed for users to experience and appreciate the aesthetics they are surrounded by.
Dark charcoal layered stone manufactured in the Berkshires has been installed on the main floor. When students enter the building, they sense a rhythmic woven pattern that has been likened to bird’s eye maple, tree bark, or wind whipped ripples on the water’s surface. It is not a uniform pattern, but rather flows across any given slab. These features of the stone are responded to in other materials and objects, including textures and patterns in upholstery and carpet, natural wood tables and even the shape of seating, creating a cohesive and consistent design aesthetic.
Cape Cod Community College’s Frank and Maureen Wilkens Science and Engineering Center is a net-positive energy building designed to transform the heart of campus.
The project approaches sustainability through a holistic and global approach, implementing a range of moves including passive solar shading overhangs, air-source heat pumps, high performance materials with low embodied carbon and the expansion of the range of thermal comfort and lighting power density. Combined with on-site photovoltaics, the project achieves net-positive energy use.
The project’s thermally modified wood rainscreen façade is a study of the modern expression of vernacular Cape Cod architecture while reducing embodied carbon. Early lifecycle assessments identified the immense carbon savings of wood over fiber cement. The design team did not stop there, furthering reductions by peeling back unnecessary finishes like carpet and ceilings. Together, these decisions enabled a 19% reduction in embodied carbon.
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