Architecture Research Office

Hudson River Education Center And Pavilion

HUDSON RIVER EDUCATION CENTER AND PAVILION

Architecture Research Office

Hudson River Education Center And Pavilion
© James Ewing

LOCATION
Beacon, New York, USA

PHOTOGRAPHS
James Ewing

CATEGORY
Pavilion

Hudson River Education Center And Pavilion
© James Ewing

Text description provided by architect.

This project for the Scenic Hudson Land Trust consists of two separate structures in a public park on the Hudson River in Beacon, New York: a new boat pavilion and an arts and environmental education center inside a restored historic barn.

The two buildings, standing several hundred feet apart, are integrated within the park designed by Reed Hilderbrand Landscape Architects. The architecture is on track to achieve LEED gold certification.

Hudson River Education Center And Pavilion
© James Ewing
Hudson River Education Center And Pavilion
© James Ewing

The barn is the sole survivor of Beacon’s industrial riverfront. This renovation preserves its simple, elemental structure but transforms its interior into a loft-like art studio.

The program includes a new ground floor multipurpose space for lectures and exhibitions, two classrooms on the second floor, and support spaces. An artist’s studio is located in the top floor.

Hudson River Education Center And Pavilion
© James Ewing
Hudson River Education Center And Pavilion
© James Ewing

The building is wrapped in a new wood deck that provides access to the ground floor and a place for outdoor events.

Most existing window openings are preserved, and large glass doors are added to make a new public entry and increase the connection between inside and outside.

The existing post-and-beam structure is exposed alongside durable new materials like concrete flooring, concrete block and plywood wall panels. Large sliding panels permit reconfiguration of the interior.

Hudson River Education Center And Pavilion
© James Ewing
Hudson River Education Center And Pavilion
© James Ewing
Hudson River Education Center And Pavilion
© James Ewing

New stairs, elevator, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire sprinkler systems are included to meet code requirements.

While the Education Center is an iconic destination, the boat pavilion is conceived as a threshold in deference to the expansive Hudson River.

Hudson River Education Center And Pavilion
© James Ewing
Hudson River Education Center And Pavilion
© James Ewing

The roof is a horizontal plane of corrugated steel that parallels a large wood deck from which boats launch.

The painted steel structure is economical and sturdy. Secure storage for up to sixty-four kayaks or canoes, a changing room and storage area are enclosed by aluminum bar grating panels.

Hudson River Education Center And Pavilion
© James Ewing
Hudson River Education Center And Pavilion
© James Ewing

The textures, patterns, orientation and details of the corrugated steel, wood deck and bar grating bring these ordinary elements into an elegant composition.


Hudson River Education Center And Pavilion
Plan 01
Hudson River Education Center And Pavilion
Plan 02


Hudson River Education Center And Pavilion
Diagram

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