BALD EAGLE BOATHOUSE
2nd Year Studio
FOSTER JOSEPH SAYERS DAM, BALD EAGLE STATE PARK
(View Interactive Panoramas)
As a program that must cater to the audiences of spring-to-fall kayakers and winter cross-country skiers, this recreation center must bridge the gap between land and lake to unite these two seasonal activities. The building must not only transition with the changing demographics of both seasons, but with the seasons themselves.
During the warmer months, the building’s automated systems (glass folding doors and louvres open to blend interior to exterior. Consequently, these systems restrict during the winter to create cozy, relaxing spaces. The center breathes and lives in accordance to its surroundings.
The structure’s composition is inspired of the hierarchy of framing within a kayak. The keel (centerboard) rests at the core, with the ribs branching off it, and the exterior skin is subsequently attached on. Each component is dependent on the shape of the one before it. This condition is reflected in the building as the massive masonry wall leads into yawning glu-lam beams, which bleed into the exterior walls and automated systems.
Structural Make-up of a Skin-On Frame Kayak
Exploded Axon - Structural Order Derived from a Kayak
RETAIL AND CAFE SPACES
GROUND FLOOR
FIRST FLOOR
The Ground Floor is dedicated to the active, fleeting crowds who seek to retrieve their equipment and immerse themselves in the state park. Here, the barrier between interior and exterior is muddied by spaces that belong to both and can transition to match season.
The kayak storage can be sealed off and the dock disassembled come the winter months; conversely, the storage can be opened through automated garage doors to better blend with the outdoors.
In essence, this program not only straddles land and water, but also indoors and outdoors.
The First Floor is dedicated to more permanent stay. Its cozy ,amenity-rich nature will keep visitors lounging during all seasons.
During summer, the louvres along the exterior open to allow the interior to mesh with the outside, letting sunlight stream in, and the glass garage door opens to a balcony with spectacular views of the park.
Come winter, the louvres and door are closed to create an intimate and warmer space. When visitors ascend the ramp, they are confronted with sights of the lake before doubling back and being reminded of the hillside behind the building.
LONGITUDINAL SECTION
TRANSVERSE SECTION
NORTH ELEVATION - WATER SIDE
Interior to Exterior Spaces
Exterior
Interior
Bridge
Spaces for Extended Stay vs. for Fleeting Crowds
Extended Stay
Fleeting Crowds
Seasonal Spaces: Winter vs. Summer
Winter
Summer
Yearlong
During the winter, the rotating louvres are closed and the ramp is shaded from the worsening weather conditions, creating a intimate and warmer circulation space.
During summer, the louvres along the exterior open to allow the interior to mesh with the outside, letting sunlight stream in, and allowing the amiable temperature and winds to passively cool the ramps.
EAST ELEVATION - ROADSIDE
WEST ELEVATION - LAND SIDE
Automated Door - Insulated Interior During Winter
Automated Door - Open to Exterior Elements During Summer
During the winter, the automated door is lowered and the interior is closed off from the rapidly cooling and worsening weather conditions. A cozy space meant as a reprieve from the outdoor elements is created so that visitors can relax between cross-country skiing.
During the summer, the door opens to a balcony with spectacular views of the park, allowing the amiable temperature and winds to passively cool the interior and bring nature indoors.
Rotating Louvres - Closed & Insulating the Ramps During Winter
Rotating Louvres - Open & Merging with Elements During Summer
