Student Learning Commons, Springfield Technical Community College, Springfield, Mass.
RETROFIT TEAM
ARCHITECT: Ann Beha Architects, Boston
GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Consigli Construction, Boston
WINDOW INSTALLER: A & A Window Products Inc., Malden, Mass.
MATERIALS
Building 19 is part of the Springfield Armory National Historic Site and is one of 13 buildings on campus that is nationally registered. It housed gunstocks from 1846 until it was closed and given to the college in 1968. However, because of the old infrastructure and the many considerations that go into renovating and remodeling historic sites, it sat largely unused for nearly 50 years.
One of the largest challenges in updating Building 19 into a student learning commons was its windows. Because the building was never fully enclosed, major updates would be required to make it an accessible, usable space. The building is large—767-feet long and 3-stories high. The fenestration would make up nearly 50 percent of the building’s façade (552 windows). In addition, because of the historic construction, no two windows are alike with openings ranging from 10 by 7 feet to 10 by 13 feet.
The architect turned to St. Cloud Window and the SCW3000 series to update the windows while maintaining the historical look and feel of the building. St. Cloud Window worked with the National Park Service and the Massachusetts Historical Commission to develop the fenestration, fully enclosing the building while maintaining natural light. In addition, historical louvers originally designed for ventilation were retooled as exterior sun shades to manage heat.
WINDOW MANUFACTURER: St. Cloud Window
THE RETROFIT
Today, Building 19 is an accessible, sustainable and vibrant part of campus life, housing administrative offices, a student commons, student services, a health center, café, study spaces, a library and campus bookstore. The building recently won a Robert H. Kuehn Award from Preservation Massachusetts.
PHOTO: St. Cloud Window