Project Description
From Bright Built Barn
Contents |
Project History
During the fall of 2006, Phil Kaplan was contacted by Keith Collins, who was interested in building a workshop and studio for him and his wife on his property in Rockport.
Thesis
To explore the optimal balance of sustainability and prefabrication in a single built form, one that marries the beauty, visceral warmth, ecological symbiosis and handcraft of our heritage with contemporary, digital and collaborative methods, where thorough ongoing documentation and an open-source philosophy will contribute to the evolving discourse of better building systems for a bright, green future.
Abstract
- This project is an attempt to bridge the seam between the building and its context, specifically its impact on the environment by employing passive and active building systems to attain zero net energy status.
- Beyond using recycled materials and sustainably harvested lumber, the building will capitalize on local products and labor to reduce the embodied energy of each component
- By prefabricating building elements, construction will be more efficient and produce less waste
- Logically integrated but disentangled building systems will increase the lifespan of each system and allow the building to accommodate future changes.
- In order to create integrated building systems it is necessary to connect the seam that currently divides the architect and subcontractors.
- Involving subcontractors at an earlier stage in prefabrication will streamline construction and allow for more intuitive layout of services and greater adaptability in the future.
- The efficiency gained by prefabricating building systems will free resources to employ local craftsmen for finish work.
- By employing a modular light timber frame structural system the building will create a connection with the New England vernacular tradition in both form and tectonics, proving that tradition can coexist with progressive concepts in sustainability and construction.
- By thoroughly documenting the research, design, construction and use of the building, this project will become a green building resource, closing the gap between research and application.
- An effective web interface that allows the public, builders and architects to access the documents that formed our project will encourage others to employ and expand upon concepts in sustainable design, creating what amounts to a “wikibuilding system.”
- In addition this project seeks to bridge the seam between the employment of sustainable design and evaluation of the systems through an analog and digital monitoring system.
- While the energy efficiency of the building can be monitored online, the building itself will emulate a living organism, giving feedback to display its contentment and efficiency.
Program
Dimensions:
- 24’ X 36’
Program:
- Art Studio for painting
- Workshop for metals and electronics
- Office
- Bathroom with shower
- Storage
Site
Visit our site on Google Maps
Inspiration
Selected quotes from Keith Collins, the client:
- "At this point in history, what wants to happen"
- "When you do something by choice, you have an obligation to do it as well as you can."
- "Everyone involved in this wil gain from it."
