Mix wood, glass, some experimentation and an ability to open a space almost completely to the outdoors, and what do you get? A little pitter patter from me, for sure.
Check out this gorgeous Community Rowing boathouse by Anmahian Winton in Boston. I love that the entire building opens up to create a pavilion of sorts, but in a nontraditional way.
In a blissful mix of form and function, many of the buildings components lead two lives: louvers add an experiential aspect while shielding windows and vents, glass shingles display the boats inside while providing ventilation, and giant accordion doors serve their function while creating a monumental entry point.
The hinging of the accordion doors is reflected in the angled side panels, which creates a brilliant lighting effect on the interior. I’m not quite sure what the cantilevered walks are for, but I like them. In a way, they feel completely disjointed from the building, as though they’re just floating next to them like hovercrafts. But there’s something I like in that.
Although the wave pattern in the louvers is a bit too literal for my taste, I do enjoy the light patterning on the interior. I also think it looks wonderfully textural from afar.
And, for those of you in the field: if you ever encounter a client that needs to be convinced that design really does matter, take note of this. Apparently membership at Community Rowing as doubled since the building opened.
[ via ArchDaily | images via ArchDaily, Anmahian Winton Architects ]
P.S. Be sure to check out the photographer, Peter Vanderwarker’s site for some additional thrills. The images of this project just melt my heart. Even labradoodles appreciate good architecture.
