KITE has recently completed the design for a new Operations Building for the Narragansett Bay Commission, Field's Point Wastewater Treatment Facility. The 19,000 sf Operations Building houses a complex program that balances treatment plant process monitoring, plant security, plant staff support areas, administrative offices and an education center that is open to the general public.
When completed, the education center will be used as a public teaching facility to heighten community awareness of water-use and conservation issues that face the Narragansett Bay. The education center is surrounded by rain gardens that demonstrate stormwater management strategies, and the use of drought resistant native plant communities. The lower floors of the building house various plant staff support areas including a new locker room facilities, a lunchroom, and kitchen areas. A third floor fitness center overlooks green roof terraces and the plant beyond.
The building is targeting LEED Silver Level Certification. Green roof terraces, low-e glazing, solar shading devices, and materials with high-recycled content are some of the key green design features. Building interiors highlight exposed structural elements and building systems, and reflect the raw beauty and robust industrial vocabulary of the Field's Point Site. A palette of materials has been selected that is durable, low maintenance, and naturally beautiful.
