BoD: Riverside Health Center

Oct 29, 2014

This week, archtober got me to the Riverside Health Center, designed by 1100 architect.

[caption id="attachment_1788" align="aligncenter" width="297"]From the front, you can see the huge renovated red clay "column", which is a strong feature of the building. Here is a front view. The huge renovated terra cotta "column", housing the existing staircase, is a strong feature of the building.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1769" align="aligncenter" width="295"]IMG_5246 The main façade, from top to bottom: new anodised aluminium windows, new "buttoned" white terra cotta cladding, original multi-colored brick (replacements aren't that obvious here), original grey brick (matching colors for brick replacement was more difficult here).[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1783" align="aligncenter" width="301"]See the elegant transition from vertical to horizontal railing. See the elegant transition from vertical to horizontal railing.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1784" align="aligncenter" width="300"]At the back of the building, we can see the new parts of the building covered in white join-less clay: an addition on the top and a new staircase. From the back courtyard of the building, you can see the new parts covered in white join-less terra cotta: an addition on the top and a new staircase.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1772" align="aligncenter" width="295"]IMG_5252 One of the LEED efforts was to encourage the use of stairs: more visible, first accessible (compared to elevators), and healthy notified.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1770" align="aligncenter" width="289"]IMG_5250 The original terra cotta outdoor column is replicated inside.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1771" align="aligncenter" width="300"]IMG_5251 Each level is organized the same way, with elevators facing the stairs and classrooms on each side, so that you don't get lost. The corridor is sideways shaped for a dynamic and welcoming effect.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1777" align="aligncenter" width="294"]IMG_5258 Visibility, transparency, simplicity are master-words for the different spaces organization.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1773" align="aligncenter" width="300"]IMG_5253 When you enter a classroom or an office upstairs, when you leave the circulation space basically, here is the wooden floor you encounter. A bit thicker than 2inches, it is made of discarded wood from window manufacture.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1774" align="aligncenter" width="301"]IMG_5254 The windows are "european style". You can open it sideways (easy to clean the outdoor side) but also top-ways to use it as natural ventilation without opening it completely (security matter).[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1779" align="aligncenter" width="300"]Technical elements are neatly integrated within the plaster ceiling. Technical elements are neatly integrated within the plaster ceiling.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1775" align="aligncenter" width="313"]IMG_5255 The green terrasse is not accessible and serves as a nice water garden.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1776" align="aligncenter" width="305"]IMG_5257 Those vents enable to insuffle air deep into the room. The ceiling and the windows were thus kept as high as possible.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1778" align="aligncenter" width="307"]To integrate the central structural beam on one hand, and the side ventilation equipment on the other hand of this large open room, the ceiling is inclined to two converging slopes. To integrate the central structural beam on one hand, and the side ventilation equipment on the other hand of this large open room, the ceiling is inclined to two converging slopes.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1780" align="aligncenter" width="307"]The corners are rounded to easy the circulation. The corners are rounded to easy the circulation.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1781" align="aligncenter" width="304"]The bottom part of the circulation walls is covered with a thick, soft, easily replaced layer for long-term use. The bottom part of the circulation walls is covered with a thick, soft, easily replaced layer for long-term use.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1782" align="aligncenter" width="300"]On the basement, a conference room is available for classes but also for the local community to use. On the ceiling, the soundproofing and technical elements are integrated in the warm wooden ply. On the basement, a conference room is available for classes but also for the local community. On the ceiling, the soundproofing and technical elements are integrated in the warm wooden layer.[/caption]

Find an other report on this building tour on archtober's blog.