In February last year, Studio Gang’s Beloit Power House opened its doors. What was once a coal-burning power plant is now a sports and wellness oasis for the students of Beloit Collage in Wisconsin.
In other words, we are learning how to reuse and reduce in order to build sustainable architecture.
REUSING
The 100 year-old plant building has been added onto and modified in the past as well. From its facade one can trace back to the specific time of the modifications made. It was built in 1913, expanded in 1927 and again later in the 1940s. Studio Gang’s 21st century field add-on is made out of polycarbonate panels. During the day it diffuses natural light to the inside. On the other hand it lights up the Rock River banks at night.
Opposite of the polycarbonate prism, an eight-lane competition swimming pool occupies the smaller brick structure.
In contrast, a multifunctional social space links the two solely recreational. It hosts a café, event spaces, lounges and an auditorium to list some… For recreational purposes there is a gym and fitness center.
What makes this building unique are micro spaces within it. The architects have created flexible, informal areas to socialize, hang out and talk, a perfect place for students.
A running track ties these segments into a whole. While running, the students get different interesting views spanning the length of the entire building.
REDUCING
The industrial monument connects the college campus on one side with the Rock River on the other.
It uses the power of the river to generate energy for heating and cooling by using radiant panels integrated into the buildings surface. Water is a much denser element than air. Therefore by using water as a source, the total energy use can be significantly reduced.
SUSTAINABILITY
Every building built leaves an enormous carbon footprint. For each brick laid there is the emission created from development, transport, installation… So one could say the greenest buildings are the ones already built. Therefore by reusing the power plant and reducing energy consumption Studio Gang built a sustainable piece of architecture and created a highly effective riverfront organism.
Read more about sustainable architecture
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