Friends of Dartmouth Rowing Boathouse & Training Facility at Dartmouth College
Merit Award // Excellence in Architectural Design, Commercial
Architect // ARC / Architectural Resources Cambridge
GC // Estes & Gallup
MEP/Structural Engineer // Rist-Frost-Shumway Engineering
Civil Engineering/Landscaping // Milone & MacBroom
Code // Howe Engineers
Rowing Tank // In River Tank and Boat
Jury Comments
The Jury was initially drawn into this project by its use of a simple strong form. Learning the form minimized the building envelope, helped to collect and direct rainwater while providing the ability to install photovoltaic panels further endeared the work to the jury. The building exceeds the code requirements for insulative values by nearly 175% and utilizes renewable resources for nearly 100% of its energy use; given the efficiencies, it’s all the more impressive how beautifully crafted and functional the interior spaces are. This balance of beauty and sustainable practice is worthy of recognition. The jury appreciated how the design responds and opens up to the adjacent river through its siting as well as large operable glazing units. Kudos the project team for being able to execute the project on a modest budget for a project of this complexity and ambition.
Description
Originally built in 1986, the original boathouse is a traditional crew facility and was built as a social space, rather than a training center. The renovation to the existing boathouse, with enhanced ventilation and dehumidification, as well as the addition of a 7,000 sf training facility allows the 120 student-athletes on the crew teams to all workout simultaneously in a fully dehumidified facility with enhanced acoustics, ample light, and natural ventilation with direct views to the river and landscape. The addition features state-of-the art rowing tanks that simulate the current of the Connecticut River and help collegiate rowers improve conditioning, refine their technique and fine-tune skills as a team during inclement weather and periods when the river is still covered in ice. The combination of the renovation and enhanced training facility has helped make the college a premier rowing destination for talented young rowers.
