The Beloit College Powerhouse, the school’s new student union, combines a group of historic buildings that made up the Blackhawk Generating Station (originally built between 1908 and 1947) along with a new field house addition. The design retains architectural features and industrial equipment from the original structures while also incorporating new sustainable practices and gathering spaces.
New insulation regulates heat flow in the historic portions of the building while the polycarbonate facade of the new field house provides advanced thermal insulation and abundant natural light throughout the day. A radiant panel and slab system harnesses energy from the Rock River and uses it for most of the Powerhouse’s heating and cooling needs.
A new pedestrian bridge and publicly-accessible elevator connect the Beloit College campus with the Powerhouse and the adjacent riverside paths and parks at ground level. Inside, a suspended three-lane track runs through all portions of the Powerhouse. The facility also includes a fitness center and recreational gym, an eight-lane competition pool, an indoor turf field house, a coffee shop, student lounges, club rooms, a conference center, and a 164-seat auditorium. Additional spaces for collaboration, conversation, and study are also located throughout the building.
The build team also included Angus Young Associates (associate architect, electrical engineer, plumbing engineer, fire protection engineer, structural engineer), R.H. Batterman & Co. (civil engineer), and Applied Ecological Services (landscape architect).
Related Stories
University Buildings | Jan 19, 2022
Eastern Michigan University launches major student housing project
The institution is working with Gilbane Development Company to build or renovate more than 2,700 on-campus beds.
University Buildings | Jan 11, 2022
Designing for health sciences education: supporting student well-being
While student and faculty health and well-being should be a top priority in all spaces within educational facilities, this article will highlight some key considerations.
University Buildings | Jan 6, 2022
New Facility completes at Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health
SLAM designed the project.
University Buildings | Jan 4, 2022
Henning Larsen to design new university building in the Alps
The project will be Henning Larsen’s first in Austria.
University Buildings | Dec 8, 2021
The University of Michigan’s Ford Robotics Building completes
HED designed the project.
University Buildings | Nov 23, 2021
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s new residence hall begins construction
KWK Architects designed the project.
University Buildings | Nov 18, 2021
Pratt Institute Residence Hall completes, opens
Hanrahan Meyers Architects, in collaboration with Cannon Design, designed the project.
Designers / Specifiers / Landscape Architects | Nov 16, 2021
‘Desire paths’ and college campus design
If a campus is not as efficient as it could be, end users will use their feet to let designers know about it.
University Buildings | Nov 15, 2021
Red River College Polytechnic’s new Manitou a bi Bit daziigae opens
Diamond Schmitt and Number TEN Architectural Group designed the project.
Cladding and Facade Systems | Oct 26, 2021
14 projects recognized by DOE for high-performance building envelope design
The inaugural class of DOE’s Better Buildings Building Envelope Campaign includes a medical office building that uses hybrid vacuum-insulated glass and a net-zero concrete-and-timber community center.
