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
Plumbing | Mar 13, 2020
Pioneer Industries launches new website
Pioneer Industries launches new website
University Buildings | Mar 9, 2020
Designing campus buildings through an equity lens
As colleges become more diverse, campus conversation is focusing on how to create equitable environments that welcome all voices.
University Buildings | Mar 9, 2020
Auburn University, Robins & Morton open Construction Field Laboratory
Robins & Morton and Auburn University’s College of Architecture, Design and Construction (CADC) recently celebrated the dedication of the Robins & Morton Construction Field Laboratory.
University Buildings | Feb 20, 2020
Kettering University’s new Learning Commons includes a student entrepreneur lab
Stantec designed the project.
University Buildings | Feb 18, 2020
UC Berkeley’s Enclave Apartments features a unique Moorish Castle design
Kirk E Peterson & Associates designed the project.
University Buildings | Feb 10, 2020
Sino-French Aviation University breaks ground in Hangzhou
HENN designed the project.
University Buildings | Jan 27, 2020
St. Edward’s University reveals new Recreation and Athletic Center
Specht Architects designed the building.
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.