Hadley Station Fish Passage Accessory Building
Additional Info
Award Winner : Vanguard Modular Building Systems, LLC
Architectural Excellence : Without the fish lifts at the Robert E. Barrett Fishway over 400,000 annually migrating fish would have no way to reach their spawning area. The fishway, situated along the Connecticut River, provides an unforgettable educational experience for adults and school children alike. This 1,272 sq. ft. visitor center is designed to enhance the learning experience of all who enter. Eager visitors can observe the beauty and power of Hadley Falls through oversized windows, while being taught about the role the falls and fish lifts play in the preservation of wildlife. The steel exterior provides a durable finish that is energy efficient and requires little maintenance. It will last a very long time, reflects the sun's radiant heat, and protects against weather extremes that occur in this area. Inside, visitors enjoy a free flowing learning area with convenient restrooms, while employees work in a private office. Upon entry visitors are protected from weather by a custom aluminum awning.
Cost Energy Effectiveness : Believe it or not the prior visitor center was only a tent. Modular building construction provided the means of a comfortable and spacious learning environment in just a few short months during the off season. The construction was completed and the building was ready in time for the high season of visitors when the fish lift would be operating. Missing out even one season of visitors would have a detrimental impact on the popularity and operations of the fishway. The municipally owned fishway relies, in part, on its tourism popularity to continue funding its operations. Off-site construction created no inconvenience to visitors, because it was all done in the off season. Speed of construction and affordable versatility together are what made the new modular built visitor and training center the cost effective solution for Holyoke Gas and Electric.
Occupied Date : 4/6/2017
Owner Firm Name : Holyoke Gas and Electric
Production Start Date : 10/15/2016
Project Location City : Holyoke
Project Location State Name : MA
Technical Innovation : Creativity was used in front of the building to build up the site for ground level access while also creating a natural and appealing look by placing a rock feature between the building and the river. Natural light and a breathtaking view were the intention of the wall of oversized windows, but to ensure energy efficiency a specialized tinted film was applied to each window. White EPDM was installed on the roof to reduce the amount of solar radiation collected by the surface. Helping to save energy, natural light pouring in the front windows means limited use of the recessed lighting in the central visitor area is needed.
Total Square Feet : 1272