In the pursuit of architectural excellence, the Arboretum Recreation Center emerges as a beacon of transformation, seamlessly merging heritage with innovation. The metamorphosis of an aging historic field house into a vibrant hub of learning and play embodies the principles of net zero readiness and showcases the marvels of mass timber construction. The master plan integrates architecture + landscape to provide spaces that are multi-faceted, functional, and beautiful. At the heart of the Arboretum Recreation Center’s design philosophy is a comprehensive approach that encapsulates three fundamental principles: community enrichment, sustainable ethos, and preservation of historical heritage. These aims were successfully integrated into a design that balances functionality, aesthetics, and environmental responsibility.

COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT
The design team led a series of community meetings to discuss the recreation center. These meetings yielded a rich tapestry of requests, ranging from amenities such as a senior room to the inclusion of boxing facilities and a half-court gym—attesting to the vibrant diversity within the neighborhood. The Arboretum Recreation Center adeptly synthesizes these at times divergent aspirations through a meticulous consideration of spatial relationships, a thoughtfulness toward the seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, and a dynamic interplay that oscillates between the historical legacy and contemporary innovation. The partially sunken community room allows for access to an ample patio, continuing the physical and visual access to exterior spaces as a theme throughout the building. This partially sunken space also allows for a high ceiling adding to the versatility and ﬂexibility of the room as requested by the community. The design of DC’s Arboretum Recreation Center prioritizes inclusivity by embracing a user-centric approach that caters to the diverse needs and preferences of its neighborhood.

SUSTAINABLE + RESILIENT ETHOS
By incorporating the principles of biophilic design, the project effortlessly integrates nature-inspired concepts with robust strategies. The deliberate placement of openings captures and directs natural light, which gracefully enhances surfaces selected from environmentally conscious materials. Additionally, the design intertwines strategies like daylighting, passive design, solar power and stormwater management to deliver a high-performance building that is ready to meet Net Zero Energy requirements. A metal screening element brings a sculptural touch to the project, shades the community room, and frames the entrance to the center. The gym delivers DPR’s first mass timber project, constructed of cross laminated timber, a sustainable construction method. This choice is projected to avert approximately 91 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, while concurrently sequestering an impressive 43 metric tons of carbon dioxide within the utilized wood materials. The facility’s commitment to environmental stewardship is further demonstrated by features like a green roof, a solar panel array, and rainwater retention systems, collectively enhancing the building’s ecological resilience.

PRESERVATION OF HISTORICAL HERITAGE
The collaborative efforts of the design team, in close partnership with the Historic Preservation Office and the Commission of Fine Arts, have been instrumental in overseeing the renovation and enhancement of the esteemed “Mission 66” historic structure, ensuring a seamless integration with the new addition. This thoughtful approach culminates in the reimagined recreation center, a dynamic space offering multifaceted functionality for the community, including recreational activities, meetings, and an array of fitness and enrichment classes.A strategic integration is achieved through a glass connector element adjoining the existing Field House, allowing for a naturally illuminated lobby that subtly pays homage to the historical context while fostering a fluid transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. In addition, the strategic recessing of the Gym by 7 feet below ground level not only facilitates an expansion into an exterior amphitheater, effectively extending the connection to the external landscape, but also ensures the optimal height for accommodating a solar chimney. This design strategy maintains a harmonious scale in relation to the venerable historic structure, preventing an overbearing presence.

The Arboretum Recreation Center successfully marries modern design, sustainability, and historical sensitivity, showcasing the potential of net zero readiness and mass timber construction in a practical and impactful way.