SMCC Lighthouse Art Studio

South Portland, Maine

Objective

To create a space on a tight budget within the campus to fulfill their art department's desire to develop an inspirational work area.

BCE Role

Provided construction site plan with drainage details to direct stormwater away from the renovated building.

Formerly a boat shed from the days when this campus was better known as Fort Preble, this building has metamorphosed into a place of discovery. Views of how the building appeared before renovations compared with how it is now being used today fully compliments the efforts of all the team members to follow through to its completion. Students now are able to create sculptures while overlooking a stunning view of adjacent Casco Bay Islands with natural lighting illuminating their space.

Project Highlights

  • Kept site costs low to allow more building improvements
  • Rigid insulation and crushed stone under the new concrete floor and face of the foundation walls continued the thermal barrier
  • Challenging drainage design at rear of building against steep embankment
  • Sustainability goals included material re-use and minimal energy loads offset by renewable energy

Related Projects

Keywords: Schools, Redevelopment

Owner

  • Southern Maine Community College
  • South Portland, Maine

Client

  • Scott Simons Architects
  • Portland, Maine

Other Team Members

  • Becker Structural Engineers
  • Mechanical Systems Engineers
  • Swiftcurrent Engineering
  • Benchmark Construction

Start to Completion Date

  • June, 2012 to March, 2013

Awards

  • 2014 AIA Maine Merit Award

Testimonials

"You were instrumental in the success of pulling off this non-standard building renovation, and I truly appreciate all your extra efforts on the small but powerful project. It was very rewarding to turn a derelict building into a beautiful space that will contribute to the education and inspiration of the students. They have had many compliments and requests to use the space for other functions."

Nat Cram, Scott Simons Architects, addressing the Design Team