Portsmouth Senior Activity Center
Architect // Placework
Description
This mid-century utilitarian structure was transformed into a welcoming 21st-century multi-use space. The project reimagines a former 1950s Army Reserve Center as a vibrant hub to support programming for the local senior community. The municipal facility meets the current need for flexible spaces of various sizes, while anticipating future growth of multi-generational community resources on the site. A new entrance vestibule and canopy provide a covered arrival and seating area and put a welcoming face on the building, “announcing” the new function to drivers on the adjacent thoroughfare. The lounge, a comfortable and inviting gathering space, is the focal point of the new interior while activity rooms of various sizes allow for flexible use, from lectures to yoga and dancing. Finishes throughout the building, including the wood vestibule, tiled fireplace, and felt panel accent walls were chosen to soften the existing masonry construction and provide warm, tactile material elements.
Mittersill Performance Center
Architect // Port One Architects
Description
Port One Architects was hired in early 2018 for the planning and feasibility phase of what would become the Mittersill Performance Center. The three-story, 9,200 square foot ski lodge facility was designed to complement the Austrian chalet-style village surrounding the Mittersill Ski Area. The Mittersill Performance Center was the third phase of expansion by Cannon Mountain into the Mittersill Ski Area, now owned and operated by the State of New Hampshire. The design team led by Port One Architects and the construction team led by Bonnette, Page & Stone were hired by a partnership between Franconia Ski Club and Holderness School. The facility provides basic ski lodge functions to the public and is also the home base for Franconia Ski Club and the Holderness School alpine racing teams. The building is fully accessible to and throughout all levels.
Mid-Coast School of Technology
Architect // Lavallee Brensinger Architects
Description
Mid-Coast School of Technology created a state-of-the-art career and technical education facility that provides access to 21st century education to high school and higher education students. The programs offered are supported by the local industry and allow for true community involvement. The school is designed to put education on display.
Lucky’s Coffee Garage
Architect // Studio Nexus Architects + Planners
Description
In an ironic twist of fate, a small piece of architectural roadside history, originally designed to service automobiles, was transformed into a lively coffee bar and café known as Lucky’s Coffee Garage. Now, a new generation gets to sit inside and watch the world travel around Colburn Park. The restored, glazed garage doors and storefront windows bathe the interior with daylight and visually connect patrons to Coburn Park. Masonry restoration, internal restructuring of the gable and cupola, and reuse of small items like hardware, preserved the exterior. Inside, deep cleaning eliminated years of oil, grease, and grime allowing the original concrete block walls to be expressed instead of sheathed over. Updated roof insulation, mechanical and electrical systems provide an efficient and comfortable interior environment. The bars, benches, and coffee tables were built with lumber milled from local trees.
