Project Description
Designed to be the beacon in the park, visibility and transparency were the design themes of this community center. Taking cues from the agrarian heritage of the community, the building is a blend of traditional gables, crisp detailing and contemporary use of materials. Exposed structure is intentionally pushed outside the building envelope to maximize views and create unique transitional spaces between indoors and outdoors. The integration of natural materials – stone, warm woods and exposed steel – connects the building to the surrounding park.
Replacing a smaller 50-year-old structure, the new building which is more than twice the size, was sited in order to protect mature landscaping and historic trees and expansive glazing takes advantage of the park setting surrounding the structure.
Flexibility is the key to a successful community center, with multi-purpose rooms that are functional, adaptable and low maintenance. The Events Room is designed to be subdivided so that it can host a variety of events including banquets of up to 400. The lobby functions as pre-event space for the surrounding rooms and the McHale Room features a large format sliding glass door that allows it to be opened fully onto the lobby space. The building is flexible enough to host multiple events at one time.