Shipping containers were the prominent building material used to construct Boxyard RTP, the first public community and gathering place in North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park (RTP). Designed by CallisonRTKL (CRTKL), the project is intended as a lunchtime and happy hour destination, and a venue for concerts, farmer’s markets, and other community events.
Located on a wooded lot within a grove of evergreen trees, Boxyard RTP takes advantage of the shade thrown by the dense tree coverage, and the natural features provide a contrast to the industrial look of the containers. The site is organized around a courtyard with retail, food, and beverage offerings surrounding the central open space. The courtyard is partially protected from the elements by a prefabricated metal building canopy that plays off of the containers’ industrial aesthetic.
Beneath the canopy, a container houses a stage with drop down walls on two sides, allowing flexibility for various types of events. The design of the structures makes use of the entire container materials, which increases sustainable practices and reduces project cost. The prefabricated, modular nature of the shipping containers and the minimal site disturbance required reduced the construction schedule to just nine months.
The stage facing the courtyard is intended for large music performances. Patios were created with wood decking over container roofs or offsetting stacked containers. Another stage will be used for smaller productions, allowing guests to sit on the lawn below the tree canopy. With room for up to nine restaurants, indoor/outdoor seating options, and a covered pavilion, Boxyard RTP will provide year-round dining and shopping experiences.
Food and beverage tenants will have from three to six conjoined containers. Retail tenants will have the option to have a single container or the ability to open-up two conjoined containers.
Located in the largest research park in the U.S., the Research Triangle is located between Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. Access to the site is readily walkable from surrounding campuses in RTP. It has integrated parking for vehicles and access to a bus stop along Highway 54 to the project’s south.
On the building team:
Owner and/or developer: The Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina
Design architect: CRTKL
MEP engineer: Clark Nexsen
Structural engineer: Lynch Mykins Structural Engineers, PC
General contractor/construction manager: Kirkland Inc.
Related Stories
| Oct 24, 2011
FMI releases Adjust, Adapt, Act Study
The paper explores several case studies, including Sun Country Builders, Huen, BakerTriangle, Consigli, Skender Construction and Flatiron, and distills the key factors that make these companies unique and successful.
| Oct 24, 2011
BBS Architects & Engineers receives 2011 Sustainable Design Award from AIA Long Island Chapter
AIA LI also recognized BBS with the 2011 ARCHI Award Commendation for the St. Charles Resurrection Cemetery St. Charles Resurrection Cemetery Welcoming and Information Center in Farmingdale, NY.
| Oct 20, 2011
UNT receives nation’s first LEED Platinum designation for collegiate stadium
Apogee Stadium will achieve another first in December with the completion of three wind turbines that will feed the electrical grid that powers the stadium.
| Oct 20, 2011
Stellar hires Navy veteran Taylor as vice president
Stellar’s federal experience includes military exchanges (large retail stores on military bases), lodging facilities for military personnel, fuel stations, youth activities centers and recreational centers.
| Oct 19, 2011
System for installing grease duct enclosures achieves UL listing
Updated installation results in 33% space savings.
| Oct 18, 2011
Dow Building Solutions invests in two research facilities to deliver data to building and construction industry
State-of-the-art monitoring system allows researchers to collect, analyze and process the performance of wall systems.
| Oct 18, 2011
St. Martin’s Episcopal School expands facilities
Evergreen commences construction on environmentally sustainable campus expansion.
| Oct 17, 2011
Austin's newest urban apartment complex under construction
Complex sits on a four-acre waterfront site along Lady Bird Lake with spectacular city and lake views, and is slated to open spring 2013.
| Oct 17, 2011
USGBC L.A. Chapter's Green Gala to feature Jason McLennan as keynote speaker
Chapter to presents inaugural Sustainable Innovation Awards,
| Oct 17, 2011
Schneider Electric introduces UL924 emergency lighting control devices
The emergency lighting control devices require fewer maintenance costs and testing requirements than backup batteries because they comply with the UL924 standard, reducing installation time.
