19th century smokestack highlights a Massachusetts performing arts facility

A 19^th century steam plant has been adapted into the Rachel Carson Music and Campus Center for Middlesex School, an independent secondary school in Concord, Mass. The updated 22,000-sf facility includes a 134-seat recital hall and multiple practice spaces, gathering spaces, and classrooms.

The former steam plant, which was once used to power the school, was updated to fit its new purpose but elements of its former life were included in the final design; the original smokestack has become the centerpiece within the Rachel Carson Music and Campus Center.

Photo courtesy of Windover Construction.

The building also contains many updated features with a focus on sustainability, such as a geo-thermal heat and cooling system, a green roof, and specialized window glazing for internal environmental control.

Windover Construction, the project’s contractor, collaborated with Marvin Windows to update the theater space with ionized window glazing to electronically shade and darken depending on the performance occurring within. Theater consultant Martin Vinik and acoustic consulting firm Acentech were also brought in to perfect the acoustics of the new space.

Photo courtesy of Windover Construction.

CBT Architects designed the project, which completed construction in June.

Photo courtesy of Windover Construction.