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 6, 2020
Making it: Gen Z learns by doing
This fundamental shift in learning style will have an impact on higher-education space planning.
University Buildings | Dec 17, 2019
Two LMN Architects-designed academic science buildings move forward for completion next year
These facilities will bring several disciplines under one roof.
University Buildings | Dec 12, 2019
HOK will design the Florida Gators new football facility
The facility will be named after longtime donor to the University of Florida and the University Athletic Association James W. “Bill” Heavener.
Wood | Dec 6, 2019
The University of Arkansas is now home to America’s largest mass timber building
A design collaborative led by Leers Weinzapfel Associates, Modus Studio, Mackey Mitchell Architects, and OLIN designed the project.
University Buildings | Nov 1, 2019
Design unveiled for the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy building
LEO A DALY, in association with VJAA, designed the building.
University Buildings | Oct 28, 2019
Eight projects showcase the latest trends in student housing
Join us on a tour of select student residences at some of America’s top four-year colleges and universities.
University Buildings | Oct 10, 2019
Duke’s Hollows Quad residence halls provide housing for 700 upperclassmen
William Rawn Architects designed the project.
Libraries | Oct 2, 2019
Temple University’s Charles Library includes a ‘BookBot’ storage and retrieval system
The project was designed by Stantec and Snøhetta.
University Buildings | Sep 30, 2019
UMass Amherst’s Worcester Commons to be built on an existing parking lot
Shawmut, in partnership with Perry Dean Rogers and Connor Architecture, are designing the project.
University Buildings | Sep 23, 2019
Engineering Innovation Hub completes on SUNY New Paltz campus
Urbahn Architects designed the project.
