GREENPORT ECO-ENERGY PARK CONCEPTUAL DESIGN
PROJECT DATE: Conceptual Design Package Presented in April 2013 [unbuilt]
ARCHITECTS: Studio a/b Architects, 651 West Main Street, Riverhead, New York
This project is a conceptual visualization for the Village of Greenport’s initial proposal for an Eco-Energy Park on an 8.7 acre parcel. The site currently contains the Village outfall pipe from its sewage treatment plant. The first goal of the project is to build a self-generated energy system to replace the costly, open-market purchases of additional electrical power made when demand exceeds the limits of a hydro-generation contract. Renewable energy generation from solar, wind, and eventually tidal installations will be designed to supplement the hydroelectric power purchases.
Preservation and Emphasis on Existing Character of the Terrain.
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Site improvements will be applied passively, such as replacement of invasive plants with native, removal of debris, bluff protection enhancement at the base of the cliff face, and restoration of vernal wetland area. Functional access for maintenance and fire truck access uses stabilized permeable materials, and designed to enhance a sequential experience from land to sea. Rain gardens for storm water run‐off control, water retention for reuse, a wetland for daylighting sewer outfall for further nitrogen removal, and a gray-water treatment marsh will add functional water features on the site. Natural and artistic interventions underlying the park’s theme, such as living bridge/fences, boardwalk, micro‐wind sculpture, and “dark sky” lighting/reflective installations will be installed site specifically.
The second goal is to develop the site as a public park, educational facility, conference center, and demonstration site for a range of sustainable and green infrastructure practices. Designed as an amenity providing public access to the Long Island Sound, the restored site will enhance this underused waterfront parcel and serve a wide audience, including the local populace and visitors. Trails will link this facility to other public lands including a Bay-to-Sound trail system, providing access to a full range of natural environments. The site will be developed for delight and exploration as well as utility, serving as an eco-tourism attraction on the East End. The social, economic and environmental priorities of the triple bottom line will all be advanced by this project.
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Themed Trails Centered on Concepts Related to the Sun, Earth, Wind and Water.
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Educational components will be categorized and restructured along the themed trails. Examples of sustainable approaches applicable to domestic scales will be showcased along the relevant trails.
Consolidating Structures and Site
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Adopting the existing site terrain, the education/conference center and public bathrooms with a community gallery/pavilion will be half-submerged into the existing hill, which reduces the visual impact of new construction on the site. Public bathrooms use composting, urine collection, gray water systems and/or other innovative wastewater treatment. 40 parking spaces include a solar charging station for electric vehicles, bicycle rack, and permeable pavement. All of these structures will be tucked under or attached to the solar panel rows. The visual impact to the site will be minimized. The site and structures will be integrated.
Themed Cabins
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The camping facilities include cabins corresponding to the trail themes. Themed cabins explore the impact of green inspirations on buildings and spaces. “Sundial cabin” casts a varying slit of light on the interior relating time and seasons to solar resources. “Folded terrain cabin” incorporates a green roof. “Chimney cabin” emphasizes the chimney affect as natural ventilation. “Water harvesting cabin” collects and reuses rain water.
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GREENPORT ECO-ENERGY PARK CONCEPTUAL DESIGN
Juror Award / Project, AIA Peconic 2013 Daniel J. Rowan Memorial Design Award
Credits
Architects: Studio a/b Architects, 651 West Main Street, Riverhead, New York
Project: Greenport Eco-Energy Park conceptual design Greenport, New York
Date of Presentation: April, 2013
Design Team: Hideaki Ariizumi + Glynis Berry, studio a/b architects with Lillian Ball (artist, water feature design)
Images: Hideaki Ariizumi
Client’s Name: Village of Greenport
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Copy & images courtesy of studio a/b architects.
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