Alnoba

An environmentally-focused family foundation commissioned this project to support leadership training programs, meetings, and events in the pristine natural setting of its 400-acre campus. In keeping with the client’s philosophy, the design is a contemporary expression of New England rural traditions, updated to meet Passive House building-performance standards. We located the building at the forested margin of a sloping meadow, allowing the existing grades to flow around the structure in the traditional pattern of a bank barn. The 13,000-square-foot building consists of connected, barn-inspired elements grounded by granite- faced foundations and a broad stone entry patio with a stream-like water feature. Dark-framed glazing wraps the building’s corners, lending a contemporary element of transparency and strengthening indoor-outdoor links. The building’s structure is organized around the exposed timber frames that support its four major public spaces. Each frame follows a traditional pattern, increasing in scale from the intimate meditation room to the expansive meeting room, with its 60-foot, hand-hewn trusses. Triple glazing along roof ridges and behind slatted screening at the meeting room gables admits filtered daylight, recalling patterns of sunlight through the cracks in barn siding. A simple, elemental material palette of wood, stone, and plaster is layered behind the timber frames. Concealed from view are the building assemblies, mechanical systems (including a ground-source heat pump), and equipment required to support and cater large gatherings while meeting both local codes and the rigorous Passive House standard. The meeting room’s massive 6-foot-high fireplace—an essential program feature—posed a particular challenge. By completely air-sealing the chimney, fitting an airtight damper, and providing a dedicated supply of make-up air, we created a way to enjoy a roaring fire within an otherwise virtually airtight building envelope. Passive House Institute’s approval for the assembly is pending.

Sustainability Statement: A response to the AIA Framework for Design Excellence