AIA Baltimore Awards - AIA Baltimore Awards 2021
Award for Excellence in Sustainable and Resilient Design
2021-10-27 13:39:55
AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN SUSTAINABLE AND RESILIENT DESIGN
JEAN PACKARD OCCOQUAN CENTER
GWWO ARCHITECTS
Sited on a bluff overlooking the Occoquan River, the Jean R. Packard Occoquan Center is designed to serve many functions: as a wedding venue where couples can begin their life journey; a space that children, teens, adults and corporations can gather for special events and celebrations; and a location where visitors can gain a deeper understanding of both the history and unique environment of the site.
Upon entrance to the park, visitors will leave the fast-paced world behind, and a generous arrival court will allow guests to be dropped off at the building’s soaring glass entrance, giving way to the view of the river and the vegetation beyond. Making their way around the site, guests will get a fuller view of the facility, seeing the building’s two primary material components — glass and timber — coming together as one, a poetic symbol of the event they may be there to witness. With a focus on story-based design, the concept for the Occoquan Center reflects its unique physical setting and history, intertwining the design of the facility with the park’s existing palette.
Driven by the contrast between, and union of, two halves — one light and delicate (public/events) and the other strong and solid (support) — the architectural expression of the Occoquan Center is articulated through the use of different structural systems and materials: delicate steel and glass on the west side allowing for expansive views of the river, and heavy timber and wood cladding on the east.
Similar patterning between the halves ties them together to create a cohesive structure and references the historic structures on-site. It has been designed to embody and represent the spirit of the park, while providing effective, efficient facilities that will meet every user’s need. The result is a wedding and celebration destination that will leave a lasting impression on every guest who crosses its threshold.
A prominent feature of the building is “The River View at Occoquan,” an elegant wedding and special events venue with sweeping views of the Occoquan River, including a terrace and garden area. Located adjacent to The River View is the “1608 Room” lobby with interpretive education displays about the history of the park and site. The lower level primarily serves park-related functions and contains the riverfront “Brickmaker’s Café” with indoor and outdoor seating opening directly onto the lower terrace, a waterfront plaza and boardwalk, park offices, and various associated amenities. Other project features include a private hospitality suite in a renovated historic building, “The Pavilion” for large outdoor events, and a 5K trail loop around the site.
Ultimately achieving LEED Gold certification, sustainable design features incorporated into the building include daylighting, photovoltaic roof panels, low-flow plumbing fixtures, recycled and regional content materials with low VOC content, high-efficiency mechanical units and light fixtures, an intensive vegetated roof on the lower level, a parking lot that incorporates pervious concrete paving, and bio-retention ponds to treat on-site stormwater.
JURY COMMENTS
The Jean Packard Occoquan center is beautifully done, and is situated successfully into the site. The uncomplicated material palette is a celebration of the material and allows the building to serve as a vehicle for its users to connect from the built environment to the natural environment. The jury appreciated the sustainability measures taken to ensure the building and landscaping integrated positively into the site. They felt that the project achieved its goal to “foster an understanding of the relationships between people and their environment.
OWNER: Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority | ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN TEAM: GWWO Architects – Alan Reed, FAIA, LEED AP; Lisa Andrews, AIA, LEED AP BD+C; Judson Hornfeck | GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Forrester Construction Company | LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: Rhodeside & Harwell Inc. | CIVIL ENGINEER: Burgess & Niple Inc. | STRUCTURAL ENGINEER: Faisant Associates Inc. | MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL ENGINEER: Henry Adams LLC | PHOTOGRAPHY: Sam Kittner | CONSULTANTS: Acoustical Design Collaborative, RJC Designs, Hopkins Foodservice Specialists, Forella Group LLC
©Innovative Publishing Ink. View All Articles.