SMCC Lighthouse Art Studio

Portland, ME, United States

Add To Collection

Other Projects by Simons Architects

Add To Collection

Bigelow Laboratory: Graham Shimmield Residence Hall

Add To Collection

CMBG Bosarge Family Education Center

SMCC Lighthouse Art Studio

Portland, ME, United States

Firm

Simons Architects

Type

Cultural › Gallery Pavilion
Educational › University

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2013

SIZE

1000 sqft - 3000 sqft

BUDGET

$100K - 500K

Photos

Magnus Stark (10)

Situated on the edge of the scenic Casco Bay coastline, the former boat shed sat forlorn and neglected. The Art Department at Southern Maine Community College was in dire need of space for their students to create works of sculpture. With very little funding, a simple intervention to create two large openings in the massive concrete and timber frame walls was the simplest and most effective strategy to transform the underutilized structure into a place of creative discovery. The students are now afforded a stimulating view of the Casco Bay Islands while north light illuminates their workspace.

Originally a part of Fort Preble, the derelict building was a dutiful servant in World War II when the post served as a naval depot for net-laying ships. Decades later, the tough structure was still beautiful in its honesty and the renovation sought to celebrate the material integrity of the original building. The steel gantry rails are still intact on the upper beams, harkening to the building’s previous service life. Because of an extremely tight budget, simple raw materials were used to differentiate the studio space from the entry and bathrooms. The texture of the wood boards is still tangible through the white paint applied to reflect natural light down to the artists.

Sited beside the robust granite fortifications and concrete bulwarks of Fort Preble, the exterior relates to its surroundings with an expression of simplicity and clarity. Eaves and trim details were minimized in this spirit and white siding was chosen to tie the studio to the original white clapboard buildings of the Fort.

The sustainability goals were two-fold; material reuse and minimal energy loads offset by renewable energy. The existing frame, sheathing, and foundation were maintained, and only minor repairs were required. Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS) were used to wrap the existing timber and concrete frame. Rigid insulation and crushed stone under the new concrete floor and face of the foundation walls continued the thermal barrier and mitigated the severe water infiltration.

Phase One of the electric heat pump unit was installed to provide heating for the first winter. Phase Two is waiting for grant funding and will incorporate roof-mounted photovoltaic panels to offset the loads from the heat pump. Low thermal gain exposure combines with cross-ventilation and a ceiling fan to minimize cooling loads for summer curriculum and the host of events that the space is being requested for.