Studio Gang

Beloit College Powerhouse

Beloit College Powerhouse
© Tom Harris

BELOIT COLLEGE POWERHOUSE

Studio Gang

LOCATION
Beloit, United States

CATEGORY
Energy Plant

ARCHITECTS
Studio Gang

ATHLETIC FACILITY CONSULTANT
Hastings+Chivetta Architects

YEAR
2020

PHOTOGRAPHS
Tom Harris

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
Applied Ecological Services

ASSOCIATE ARCHITECTS
Angus Young Associates

ACOUSTIC & A/V CONSULTANT
Threshold

CIVIL ENGINEER
R.H. Batterman & Co.

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
dbHMS

SIGNAGE & WAYFINDING CONSULTANT
3st/Span

LIGHTING CONSULTANT
dbHMS

AREA
120000 ft²

POOL CONSULTANT
Ramaker & Associates

IT CONSULTANT
True North Consulting Group

COSTS CONSULTANTS
Dharam

Located along the Rock River, adjacent to the College’s campus and close to downtown Beloit, the Powerhouse project combines an assemblage of historic buildings that made up the Blackhawk Generating Station (constructed between 1908–1947) along with a new field house addition.

Beloit College Powerhouse
© Tom Harris
Beloit College Powerhouse
© Tom Harris

The design retains architectural features and industrial equipment from the original structures while incorporating new sustainable practices and lively gathering spaces that encourage students to mix with each other and the larger Beloit community.

A suspended, three-lane track runs through all portions of the building, which houses a fitness center and recreational gym, an eight-lane competition swimming pool, and the indoor turf field house, as well as spaces for conversation, collaboration, and study.

Beloit College Powerhouse
© Tom Harris
Beloit College Powerhouse
© Tom Harris
Beloit College Powerhouse
© Tom Harris

Additional amenities include a coffee shop, student lounges, club rooms, a conference center, and a 164-seat auditorium.

Transforming the hundred-year-old structure presented significant challenges, especially to efficient energy use. New insulation regulates heat flow in the historic portions of the building, while the polycarbonate façade of the new field house provides advanced thermal insulation and abundant, diffuse natural light throughout the day.

In addition, a radiant panel and slab system harnesses energy from the Rock River for most of the Powerhouse’s heating and cooling needs, improving comfort within the building and maintaining the highest air quality, while also minimizing total energy use.

A new pedestrian bridge and publicly-accessible elevator connect the Beloit College campus, which sits on a hill, with the Powerhouse and the adjacent riverside paths and parks at ground level.

Beloit College Powerhouse
© Tom Harris
Beloit College Powerhouse
© Tom Harris

Forming these new links between town, gown, and river, the former power plant is now generating a more energetic and vibrant community life.

Beloit College Powerhouse
© Tom Harris
Beloit College Powerhouse
© Tom Harris


Beloit College Powerhouse
© Tom Harris
Beloit College Powerhouse
© Tom Harris
Beloit College Powerhouse
© Tom Harris
Beloit College Powerhouse
© Tom Harris


Beloit College Powerhouse
Floor plan level 1
Beloit College Powerhouse
Floor plan level 2
Beloit College Powerhouse
Floor plan level 3
Beloit College Powerhouse
Floor plan level 4


Beloit College Powerhouse
Perspective section
Beloit College Powerhouse
Axo


Beloit College Powerhouse
Site plan

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