UNH – Telecommunications Building Addition
Citation Award // Excellence in Architectural Design, Commercial
Architect // Oak Point Associates
GC // Charters Brothers Construction
Geotechnical Engineer // R.W. Gillespie & Associates
Jury Comments
The use of fold-up insulated metal panels give the simple shape both a mechanical presence and a sense of a temporary structure: both appropriate to its intended purpose in a technologically changing landscape.
Description
Welcome; but please, don’t come in. This addition/renovation project challenged Oak Point Associates and Charters Brothers Construction to creatively balance the need for tenant privacy with a very public façade that fronts a pedestrian walkway in the center of the UNH campus. The charge was further complicated by the need to keep the existing ground floor occupied during construction; and the existing building was constructed on piles, so the design solution had to be fast and lightweight. A single-component insulated metal wall panel system was envisioned as a single span from top to bottom. A variegated color scheme was used to create visual interest. The playful pattern is inviting to look at but contrasting the colors, materials and forms with the neighboring academic buildings make it clear this is not likely your destination; thereby fulfilling the paradox of the original brief: welcome; but please, don’t come in.
