Courtyard Enclosure
Courtyard Enclosure Wa s h i n g t o n C o u n t y M u s e u m o f F i n e A r t s , H a g e r s t o w n , M a r y l a n d
The underutilized exterior courtyard of a regional art museum was targeted by the Trustees for repurposing as a potential year-round venue that would better serve the historic institution within its bucolic park and lakeside setting of over eighty years.
The Architects’response to the challenging assignment was to design, detail and oversee the construction of an elegantly proportioned glass roof enclosure that “floated” very lightly over the space and established the identity of a new “place” on the museum campus. The design approach for creating the new 3,200 square foot “Atrium” space involved developing a sensitive response towards the original 1930’s Beaux Arts stone facade, including the original stepped museum main entrance and symmetrical compositions of all four interior courtyard elevations. The preservation of all existing building facade components was achieved through the independent structural support of the atrium glass roof on eight slender steel columns clad in matching limestone with reveals between the panels. The architectural language utilized is interpretive and “complimentary” to the existing fabric – and not “replicative” of the classical motifs. The Architect carefully studied many options for the roof design striving for the best combination of height, pitch and form. The final solution (endorsed by the Maryland Historical Trust who held an easement on the historic structure) – involved a gentle hip roof glazing system that provided the best balance
Commercial Architecture
of internal room proportions, minimal construction interface with the existing building and also a visually engaging new identity. The diamond pattern grid design of the roof panel glazing system is carefully coordinated with the underlying steel roof beam network (at a larger scale grid) which comfortably springs from the perimeter exposed steel datum. While respectful to the museum’s history, the “contemporary” design also prepares this new museum central space for all-season usage by incorporating numerous high-performance and energy efficiency features. Among these, the white fritted laminated glass roof structure and glazing system which covers the entire footprint of the former courtyard – controlling heat gain, limiting ultraviolet ray entry and maximizing daylighting. Additional energy efficiency elements, including a brick floor radiant heating system, LED lighting and sustainable mechanical systems with energy monitoring controls/sensors make the atrium not only a beautiful and dramatic space, but also an environmentally responsible venue – which will ensure patron comfort and usage throughout changing times of day and year.
Existing Floor Plan
Existing Courtyard Before Enclosure
D
B
C C
A A
N
After
New Floor Plan
D
B
Section A-A Looking West
Section B-B Looking South
Section C-C Looking East
Section D-D Looking North
S
S2 1
N.10
A303
T.O.S. 23' - 8" N.17
N.10
N.05
N.27
N.12
6 A502
SUPPLY DUCT, SEE MECH. DRAWINGS
8"
13' - 3" MIN.
13' - 2"
N.20
SIMILAR TO BASE TIE-IN SHOWN IN DETAIL 4 ON SHEET A502
N.02
N.21
INFILL EXISTING OPENING REFER TO STRUCTURAL DRAWINGS. PAINT INTERIOR FINISH SURFACE TO MATCH EXISTING.
BASEMENT
Level 0 -10' - 0"
The underutilized exterior courtyard of a regional art museum was targeted by the Trustees for repurposing as a potential year-round venue that would better serve the historic institution within its bucolic park and lakeside setting of over eighty years.
The Architects’response to the challenging assignment was to design, detail and oversee the construction of an elegantly proportioned glass roof enclosure that “floated” very lightly over the space and established the identity of a new “place” on the museum campus. The design approach for creating the new 3,200 square foot “Atrium” space involved developing a sensitive response towards the original 1930’s Beaux Arts stone facade, including the original stepped museum main entrance and symmetrical compositions of all four interior courtyard elevations. The preservation of all existing building facade components was achieved through the independent structural support of the atrium glass roof on eight slender steel columns clad in matching limestone with reveals between the panels. The architectural language utilized is interpretive and “complimentary” to the existing fabric – and not “replicative” of the classical motifs. The Architect carefully studied many options for the roof design striving for the best combination of height, pitch and form. The final solution (endorsed by the Maryland Historical Trust who held an easement on the historic structure) – involved a gentle hip roof glazing system that provided the best balance
Commercial Architecture
of internal room proportions, minimal construction interface with the existing building and also a visually engaging new identity. The diamond pattern grid design of the roof panel glazing system is carefully coordinated with the underlying steel roof beam network (at a larger scale grid) which comfortably springs from the perimeter exposed steel datum. While respectful to the museum’s history, the “contemporary” design also prepares this new museum central space for all-season usage by incorporating numerous high-performance and energy efficiency features. Among these, the white fritted laminated glass roof structure and glazing system which covers the entire footprint of the former courtyard – controlling heat gain, limiting ultraviolet ray entry and maximizing daylighting. Additional energy efficiency elements, including a brick floor radiant heating system, LED lighting and sustainable mechanical systems with energy monitoring controls/sensors make the atrium not only a beautiful and dramatic space, but also an environmentally responsible venue – which will ensure patron comfort and usage throughout changing times of day and year.
Existing Floor Plan
Existing Courtyard Before Enclosure
D
B
C C
A A
N
After
New Floor Plan
D
B
Section A-A Looking West
Section B-B Looking South
Section C-C Looking East
Section D-D Looking North
S
S2 1
N.10
A303
T.O.S. 23' - 8" N.17
N.10
N.05
N.27
N.12
6 A502
SUPPLY DUCT, SEE MECH. DRAWINGS
8"
13' - 3" MIN.
13' - 2"
N.20
SIMILAR TO BASE TIE-IN SHOWN IN DETAIL 4 ON SHEET A502
N.02
N.21
INFILL EXISTING OPENING REFER TO STRUCTURAL DRAWINGS. PAINT INTERIOR FINISH SURFACE TO MATCH EXISTING.
BASEMENT
Level 0 -10' - 0"
